Story By:Luke Opeto & Julliard Mbappe

The FIVB Level II Coaching Course held in Rwanda recently concluded with Kenyan coaches excelling in both theoretical and practical aspects. All Kenyan participants passed with flying colours, proving that Kenya has a wealth of coaching talent for current and future volleyball generations, among them were coaches Julliard Mbappe and Luke Opeto from Trailblazers Volleyball Club.

Reflecting on the experience, Coach Julliard Mbappe stated, “The course was an eye-opener. The knowledge we gained is invaluable, and we are ready to pass it on to our players. We are equipped to bring out the best in our teams.”

Luke Opeto added, “The environment in Rwanda was excellent for learning. Their sports infrastructure is world-class, which Kenya should aim for if we want to stay competitive.”

Rwanda’s investment in volleyball is evident. With the acquisition of the Challenge system and the establishment of three international-standard indoor facilities, the Rwanda Volleyball Federation is positioning itself to dominate the East African region. Their fully indoor setup is a stark contrast to Kenya, where outdoor courts are still commonplace.

While Kenya has no shortage of quality coaches, it is time for our leadership to prioritize modernizing our sports facilities. If Kenya is to remain a force in volleyball, developing indoor courts and adopting advanced game technologies are non-negotiable. Rwanda’s progress should be a wake-up call for us to match their commitment and structure to ensure our continued success on the international stage.