Former Kenyan international Paul Bitok has hit the ground running just hours into his re-appointment as the head coach to national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers.
Bitok, who recently returned to Kenya after a ten-year coaching career with Rwandan national teams, was confirmed as Shailene Ramdoo’s replacement by Kenya Volleyball Federation on Thursday night.
The Italian FIVB instructor’s contract expired a few days after a disastrous outing with Malkia at the Intercontinental Olympics Qualifiers in Italy.
Bitok, who handled the record African champions before moving to Rwanda in 2009, conducted the team’s first training yesterday morning at Kasarani Gymnasium in preparation for their African Games title defence in Morocco on August 19 to 31.
“I take this opportunity to thank KVF for this appointment, I am pleased to serve my home country in this capacity,” said an excited Bitok.
“As you are aware we’ve worked together before but since I’ve been away for long, I know many things may have changed.
“For me to attain your expectations and deliver on my mandate as head coach in the coming competition, we all need to work together as a team, (players, coaches, manager, doctor and KVF). I need each and every one of you to embrace that spirit of teamwork and work for our country.”
The former men’s team captain and KCB coach beamed confidence.
“In the recent encounters in Nations Cup Championship in Italy, you saw our weakness while playing with Cameroon, Belgium, Netherlands and Italy.
“We need to focus on those and perfect them in the next few days, I know these players’ capabilities since I’ve worked with them in many occasions before leaving to Rwanda,” said a confident Bitok.
