Maina takes over as Chema head coach after Mukopi's exit

Maina, 48, who was Mukopi's assistant coach says he is not under pressure to fit into Mukopi’s shoes, noting that every coach has his or her way of doing things and he is not any different.

CHEMA TECHNICAL BENCHAfter the departure of head coach Jeremiah Mukopi early this month, Chema Volleyball team has unveiled a new technical bench ahead of the 2026/2027 Kenya Volleyball Federation men’s National League that serves off on November 14-15 in Nairobi.

Leonard Maina who was Mukopi's assistant coach when Chema fell to Kenya Ports Authority in the final last season to finish second, will now lead the Juja-based club as they seek to challenge for the title.

Also joining the technical bench are former players Denis '𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒅e' Barasa, Phillip Ndung'u and Zachary Mwangi.

Maina, 48, who was Mukopi's assistant coach says he is not under pressure to fit into Mukopi’s shoes, noting that every coach has his or her way of doing things and he is not any different.

Maina said, “One thing I know is that we will challenge for the title. We have introduced new system of play and I believe it’s just a matter of time before players adjust to the system. Mukopi set the standards and we will be out to better the performance. Players tend to be affected when coaching staff leaves and we are aware that players may be affected mentally but we have talked to them and they are getting better,” he observed.

“We are in transfer period and players may leave or stay. We will just have to wait and see when the period ends on November 7,” responded Maina who hails from Murang’a County when asked if he was moved by the fact that some players have been tipped to leave the club.

Maina who holds an FIVB Level Two Certificate guided the Kenya men’s volleyball team to finish second during the East African Local Authorities Sports and Cultural Association(EALASCA) Games in Kampala, Uganda, last year.

Barasa on the other hand, has had a rich playing career with stints at Nairobi Prisons (2013-2014), Kenya Defence Forces (2014), Bungoma County (2015), Sony Sugar, Sky Volleyball team in Uganda (2016), and Kenya Forest Service (2017), before calling it a day in 2020 after COVID-19.

Barasa who hails from Kamukuywa, Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma County, holds a National Level One Coaching Certificate and has also served in the KVF Media Commission; his objective will be to propel the club to better heights.

“My goal is to contribute towards building a competitive team, help players grow individually and collectively, and create a winning mentality. Having finished as runners-up last season, we want to take the team to the next step and compete for trophies,” said Barasa a former Tetu, Musingu and Bukbe High School player.

Ndungu on the other hand, is a former Kenya Forest Service player and was recently attached to the Democratic Republic of Congo women’s volleyball team as a trainer; that recently competed at the African Nations Championship held in Nairobi in September.

Ndungu was away in Congo alongside compatriots head coach Paul Gitau and assistant coach Vernon Khainga.

Last season's runners-up, Chema, will begin their title campaign against newly promoted Simlaw from Division Two.

Report by Agnes Makhandia