• Kenyan players lack adequate exposure given that foreign players get to participate in more championships, which keeps their momentum running.
• His coaching career is decorated with numerous achievements, including six African Club Championship titles—four with Kenya Prisons and two with Kenya Pipeline—and four Africa Nations Cup titles with the national team.
Image: Courtesy
Veteran Malkia Strikers and Kenya Prisons coach David Lung’aho believes Kenyan volleyball is destined for greatness even as the national women's team prepare for the Paris Olympic Games.
However, support will be key to achieving the levels they have envisioned.
"The status of volleyball in the country remains wanting. I have observed how the players are. They need to add some inputs. Something is surely lacking."
"For Malkia Strikers, the Olympics remain a distant dream performance-wise. We will be happy to win sets," Lung’aho said.
Kenyan players lack adequate exposure given that foreign players get to participate in more championships, which keeps their momentum running.
Despite taking a back seat Lung’aho says he is still available to serve the game when called upon.
After the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) playoffs at Kasarni Indoor Arena about 10 days ago, Lung'aho was honoured for his contribution to the game, where he served in various capacities — player, coach, technical director for clubs and national teams.
“It was a huge surprise. I appreciate the honour and thank all those who did it. Most of the time coaches' work goes unnoticed. Only the players are usually recognised," he said.
Lung’aho, one of the most successful coaches in Kenya and Africa, has nurtured numerous top female players over the years including internationals Mercy Moim, Edith Wisa, Praxides Agala, Sharon Chepchumba, Laureen Chebet and Gladys Ekaru.
"I succeeded as a coach because I embraced giving young players a chance when I started coaching in 2005," he said.
His coaching career is decorated with numerous achievements, including six African Club Championship titles—four with Kenya Prisons and two with Kenya Pipeline—and four Africa Nations Cup titles with the national team.
Lung’aho took the national team to the 2004 Olympic Games and the World Cup four times. Under his leadership, Kenya Pipeline secured the national title from 2003 to 2006 before taking charge at Kenya Prisons.
He claimed his first continental title in 2008, lost to Egypt's Al Ahly in 2009, but reclaimed the title in 2010 and struck again in 2011 and 2012.
“I enjoyed my job. I love coaching volleyball,” said Lung’aho.
“The players are always willing to learn new tactics. That is why Kenya Prisons has continued to dominate Kenyan and African volleyball.”
Lung’aho’s tenure saw him win gold medals in the Africa Nations Cup (2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015) and achieved a historic victory in the FIVB World Grand Prix Group III in 2015, which he considers his best moment.
He was named Coach of the Year at the SOYA (Sports Personality of the Year Award) awards in 2012 and 2015 and received State Commendations as a civilian in 2005 and Prisons officer in 2012.
Lung'aho believes Kenyan volleyball will flourish if they get support, especially from corporations, the federation and the government.
He has a soft for the men's game, which continues to stutter in the shadows of their female counterparts.
"If the men get support, we'll see them grow. If not, it will be hard for them," he said.
He emphasises the importance of youth development, praising efforts by organisations like KCB in nurturing players at the school level — Soweto, Kwanthanze and Kesogon.
"I highly recommend the same to the other local clubs," he said. "If we push these young people, they will succeed. It is a good leaf the federation could borrow in supporting our youngsters — the future of Kenya volleyball."