Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy Chairperson Charles Nyamberi has launched the third edition of the Nandi County Governor’s cup tournament which is set to take place from 26th to 28th of November at Kapsabet Agricultural showground.
Speaking during a presser at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, Nyamberi said that they are holding the tournament in Nandi to appreciate the talents in the North Rift region and as a way of giving back to the community for being the source of most of Kenyan champions.
He also added that during the event, talent scouts will be present searching for new talents to recruit them to their respective clubs which is a guarantee of employment for the talented youths.
“We appreciate the fact that the majority of the players for both male and female teams have come from Nandi so we are bringing it back to make them feel celebrated at home. We also know that any time we come here the talent scouts go back with new talent spotted from the village, school and college teams,” said Nyamberi.
On the other hand, the Nandi County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Sports, Arts and Youth Affairs Elly Kurgat thanked the KVF for giving them a chance to host the first tournament since the Ministry of Sports gave a go ahead for resumption of sports activities after the effect of Covid-19.
Kurgat also pointed out that apart from the trophies they have received from the KVF to be awarded to primary and secondary schools they have also allocated sh700,000 cash prizes to be awarded to the winners, first and second runners up for the senior clubs, self-sponsored and colleges.
He further urged the athletes to continue with their training adding that the Koitalel Samoei Half Marathon is scheduled for December and Mountain run which is an international race to be hosted by Nandi at Tindiret will be on January 1st, 2022.
“I want to thank the KVF for their support and the opportunity they gave us to host this tournament. As a County, we will be giving sh700,000 cash prizes for various teams. I also urge the teams to register before Thursday for them to get a chance of participation,” said Kurgat
Speaking during the same event, Malkia Strikers Head Coach Paul Bitok who is also among the technical personnel for the tournament said that he is hopeful that the tournament will attract over 60 teams since it is the first national tournament to be held after Covid-19, confirming that all the teams registered under the KVF will participate.
Bitok also said that ahead of the tournament on Friday they have begun referee and coaches training to ensure there is total professionalism of volleyball as a sport.
By Judith Jepleting
