Coach Mukopi Targets Strong Start in Kenya Volleyball Premier League
Chema Volleyball Club head coach Jeremiah Mukopi Shikanga is filled with pride after successfully guiding his team through a tough Division Two season
Chema Volleyball Club head coach Jeremiah Mukopi Shikanga is brimming with pride after guiding his team to a successful Division Two campaign. Photo/ citizen digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Chema Volleyball Club head coach Jeremiah Mukopi Shikanga is filled with pride after successfully guiding his team through a tough Division Two season, culminating in their elevation to Kenya’s top volleyball league.
Reflecting on the promotion campaign, Mukopi emphasized the fierce competition they faced throughout the season. “Clinching the title wasn’t easy. Every team came fully prepared, and the level of play was outstanding,” he remarked. “I’ve experienced promotion before—with the Kenya Airports Authority Men’s team back in 2009—but this one stands out due to how demanding it was.”
A veteran coach with past roles at Kenya Airways, Equity Bank, the General Service Unit, and most recently the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mukopi brings a wealth of experience to Chema. He expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to compete at the highest level of Kenyan volleyball. “We’re not intimidated by the challenge. We know what’s ahead, and we’re determined to prove we belong,” he stated.
In preparation for their top-tier debut, the team participated in the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Volleyball Tournament. Mukopi credited the regional event as a vital experience that offered the players a glimpse of high-level competition. “For most of our squad, this was their first international event. Beating Kenya Cup finalists KPA in the semis gave us a big morale boost. Even though we lost to REG VC in the final, it was an eye-opener and a valuable learning opportunity,” he said.
Mukopi added that the experience in Kigali brought a renewed intensity to their training sessions. “After the tournament, I noticed a complete shift in the players’ attitude. They’re more focused and driven. There’s a real hunger to make an impact in the league.”
To ensure competitiveness, Chema is working on strengthening its squad. “We can’t afford to stay stagnant. We’re looking to add players who bring both youth and experience to the team,” he explained.
One of the notable new arrivals is Libero Bethoven Okombo from Equity Bank, a seasoned player who is expected to bring stability and depth to the defense.
Chema Volleyball Club will now join Eldowas as the two teams newly promoted to the Kenya Volleyball League. On the other end, Mt. Kenya Base Yetu and the Department of Defence (DOD) have been relegated from Division One after underwhelming performances throughout the season.
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