Africa-Press – Kenya. Gideon Tarus says his immediate priority is to help the General Service Unit retain the national league title despite having been appointed as the new national men’s team coach.
Tarus replaced Moses Epoloto on Monday ahead of the African Nations Championships slated for Rwanda next month.
The men’s showpiece is set for September 5-16 while the women’s show will take place between September 10 and 20th. The playoffs will be held in Mombasa starting Thursday to Sunday.
“It is proper at this crucial moment to channel all my energy in assisting GSU defend their title successfully. This is what matters most to me at the moment. It’s good to be back to the national team set up but matters with the national team will be looked into after the playoffs,” he said.
“You can’t kill two birds with one stone in as much as competitions are coming in thick and fast.”
Tarus returns to the side having been part of the 2016 technical bench. He believes coordination is necessary if the current national team players are to realise their potential.
“All the players selected are good. Their talent need to be properly harnessed to fulfil their potential and this calls for coordination from all departments.”
Tarus will be assisted by Kenya Prisons coach David Lung’aho who also serves as the Kenya Volleyball Federation technical director and Sammy Mulinge. History-making Mulinge guided the women’s beach volleyball team to their first ever Olympics in Tokyo.
Tarus led GSU to continental club glory in 2018—stopping Al Ahly’s dominance after the North Africans had won four prestigious titles in a row. The national teams are expected to hit a residential training camp immediately after playoffs
Provisional Squad:
Men: Brian Melly, Emmanuel Mwandori, Kelvin Kipkosgei, Sam Juma, James Mutero,Simion Kipkorir, Nelson Bitok, Shadrack Misiko, Lewis Ochieng, Benard Wechuli, Enock Mogeni, Kelvin Omuse, Cornelius Kiplagat, Joshua Kimaru, Aggrey Kibungei, Denis Omollo and Elphas Makuto.
Women: Jane Wacu, Joy Lusenaka, Pamela Masaisai, Violet Makuto, Sharon Chepchumba, Mercy Moim, Carolyne Sirengo, Aggripina Kundu, Emmaculate Chemtai, Leonida Kasaya, Edith Wisa, Yvonne Sinaida, Gladys Ekaru,Lorine Chebet, Meldine Sande, Pamela Adhiambo,and Elizabeth Wanyama.
