By Peter Ochieng
Paul Bitok is no longer the Kenya national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers’ assistant coach.
The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) deputy president resigned on Friday, after he possibly succumbed to pressure from Kenyans, who expressed reservations over his two roles in the national team.
He however denied claims of appointing himself in order to land an opportunity on the technical bench, so as to make the trip to Paris, France for the Olympics in the Summer.
The decorated volleyball coach in a statement said he decided to step down, after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Sports, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK), National Women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers stakeholders including players, family, friends and fans.
“I have stepped down from an earlier position offered to me by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to be part of the technical team.This has been largely informed by the strong sentiments that have arisen out of the appointment of Malkia Strikers’ technical bench for the Paris Olympics, which I was part of,” he added.
Bitok said he wished to be part of the Malkia Strikers’ set up to Paris, an opportunity that would have have brought to an end his 8 year journey with the national side.
“It was my wish and plan to end my coaching career in style after this year’s Olympics. Paris would have been the culmination of the eight-year project for Malkia Strikers that I have been honoured to spearhead,” he said.
Bitok’s coaching journey started in 2004 with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) volley ball side after a decent playing career, with his contribution to the game spanning 20 years.
His focus, Bitok said now fully turns to his new role as KVF deputy president.
“I look forward to drawing upon the priceless knowledge and experience I have garnered from the last two decades to play my part in taking Kenyan volleyball to higher levels and transforming the country into a global powerhouse,” he stated.
Japheth Munala is Malkia Strikers’ head coach.
Bitok and KVF president Charles Nyaberi were criticized over revelations that they were part of the Malkia Strikers’ technical bench for the Olympics.
Nyaberi was reportedly preparing to act as the team manager in Paris.