Chema coach Mukopi backs newcomers to rattle giants in KVF

The newbies faced back to back defeats against former champions Kenya Prisons and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Kenya Prisons first defeated them 3-1 in their opener before they fell to KPA in straight sets.

Mukopi termed these defeats a wakeup call in their quest to jostle for the play-offs spot and eventually the title.

“Teams basically watched our pattern of play in the first leg and found a formula to beat us. We didn’t play well as to my expectations. We are a new team and this is bound to happen, we pick lessons and build up from there,” Mukopi said.

The former DCI volleyball club head coach also added that they are still struggling in the setting position after losing their star Hudson Kipchumba, who ditched the Steelers for GSU.

“We had formed a team around him because he was our best player in receiving and setting. He engineered our attacks and we struggled quite a bit in the two matches. It is a big loss to us.”

Stephen Otieno was deployed to fill the void left by Hudson Kipchumba and although he gave his all, Kipchumba’s absence was clear.

However, Mukopi places his trust in Otieno and his compatriots to rise to the level Kipchumba was playing at.

The experienced tactician is also confident his boys will redeem themselves in the third leg slated for next month.

“We are headed in the right direction because even in losing we learn something. I’m confident that through intensive training, my boys will play well in the third and fourth legs and bag maximum points to stay on course for our goal,” noted Mukopi.

Chema currently sit fourth on the log with 15 points after seven matches, seven points behind leaders KPA.