Juma throws hat into KVF presidential race

"We have products such as Kenya Women’s Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers and Kenya men’s volleyball team, Wafalme Stars teams which if positioned well, can attract more sponsors,” averred Juma.

Beach VolleyballFormer Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Secretary General Ben Juma has thrown his hat in the ring for the top leadership role in the National federation elections.

Juma will vie for the presidential seat in next year’s National elections.

Juma who served in the last regime and failed to vie for a seat in the last elections said he aims to redeem the federation's image, which he claims has failed to attract deserved sponsors.

Speaking during the Mombasa Legends Open Cup at Makande hall in Mombasa on Tuesday night, Juma laid bare the reasons for his bid.

“The image of the federation is not good at least as far as I know. By now, the federation should be attracting many sponsors but potential partners have failed to come on board as the federation's image is tainted and wanting, due to self-interests among the executives.

"We have products such as Kenya Women’s Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers and Kenya men’s volleyball team, Wafalme Stars teams which if positioned well, can attract more sponsors,” averred Juma.

He underlined the importance of experience and dynamic leadership at KVF, elements he believes he pocesses.

“I have served in the federation before and I know where the shoe pinches most. I have been on the fence for four years and regretfully watched things go wrong. I however have solutions, I want to be the leader that will restore confidence and partiality in the federation," explained Juma.

"I will also champion equitability across the country. I have been in the leadership positions even at my place of work - Kenya Ports Authority where I’m the chairman of the Ports Sacco and so I know a thing or two on what leadership entails,” said the former CAVB beach volleyball Commission Member.

Juma, 50, also pledged to put more emphasis on beach volleyball if elected, saying it has the potential to grow tremendously and put Kenya on the global map.

"Beach volleyball has the potential just like the indoor game. Remember Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala represented the nation at the Tokyo delayed Olympic Games, which shows that when the right mechanisms are put in place, there can be better representation at both the continental and world stages.

"In recent times, Kenya hasn't been doing well and I will be keen to return the sport to the right track by ensuring that players compete in all available competitions to help them earn more points," said Juma, further noting that beach volleyball is all about amassing points by competing in CAVB homologated/tour events.

Another aspirant for the KVF presidency is Sports Administrator and Kenyan journalist Samual Gacharira, who has also offered several alternative perspectives on improving the sport.

Only time will tell if the incumbent Charles Nyaberi will defend his seat in the upcoming elections.

Report by Agnes Makhandia.