KCB team’s technical advisor Paul Bitok believes Pauline Chemutai will be the next big thing in Kenyan women’s volleyball.
This follows her standout performance in the ongoing 2023 Women’s African Club Championships in Tunisia where she contributed immensely to the Banker’s good performance.
Chemutai is one of the six alumni of Kwanthanze School currently playing topflight club volleyball for KCB alongside left attacker Faith Cherotich (18), Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Mwende and injured player Elizabeth Maria who was not in Tunisia for the continental event.
Speaking in Grombalia where the defending champions wrapped up their group matches unbeaten, Bitok who is also the national team coach was all praises for the emerging star.
“She (Chemutai ) is a great protege of the team and definitely the next Chumba (Sharon Chepchumba). It’s just a matter of time before she begins riding on the crest of the waves,” said the veteran Volleyball coach.
He added that: “She needs time. And believe you me, Pauline will be the next Chumba of Kenyan volleyball. Just one more year of hard-work and resilience, shell be a star of international repute.”
Greece-based Chepchumba was last year voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) when she helped KCB win the CAVB continental title from hard-fighting Al Ahly.
“When the national team is reconvened, she will definitely be included so that she can gain more match experience from the senior team players. She is a future player. We want to use her more, but we are aware of the fact that she still needs more match time, so we are just bringing her in sometimes, to make sure she gradually gathers confidence,” said Bitok.
Jump-service player
“We are yet to use her completely. We want to build her gradually, as we don’t want to rush her to be among the first six for now.”
Bitok is glad that Chemutai is already a jump-service player with a good eye and judgement when it comes to blocking.
“She has managed to block very well in Tunisia, incidentally on her continental debut. She is now fast, though you can see her body moving slowly; she is faster when it comes to attack.”
KCB team manager Moses Kimani aka Kim is glad that Chemutai hasn’t suffered stage fright despite her first appearance at the prestigious event.
“She is very shy even when talking. But that completely belies the antics of a lethal player she is on the court. We spotted her in school games and since joining our squad this season she has not disappointed,” Kimani said.
The KCB Volleyball team crashed out of the 2023 Women’s African Club Championships at the quarterfinals stage on Friday.
