NAIROBI, Kenya, May 22 – Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) technical expert Roberto Opacio has heaped praise on KCB’s new setter Esther Mutinda, saying she has everything it takes to become a star.
Opacio is happy that Mutinda has been in immense form for the bankers in Nabeul at the just ended 2023 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championships in Tunisia “and has impressed in every match that she’s played”.
“Esther is a player to be considered because she has great skills as a setter and an astute student of the game.”
Opacio is team manager of the global body’ FIVBs empowerment initiate for Kenya alongside his Brazilian compatriot and the program’s Head Coach Luizomar de Moura and Paul Bitok who have been assisting the national women’s volleyball team to play the sport to the highest international level.
Opacia and Coach Luizomar are both in Tunisia to access and advise according on the progress made so far by Kenyan women players.
“We weren’t able to see Esther until this tournament in Tunisia. When we first met Malkia Strikers Esther wasn’t in the team with Bitok last year.”
“Last year, I think Esther was away due to personal.reasons, but from what we have seen in Tunisia, I think there is something for her.”
“We just want to see her play more in bigger challenges..We already had seen Emmaculate Nekesa (KCB’s other setter) and I must admit Esther has improved a lot from last year when we have been working with her.” Opacio.said.
KCB technical advisor Paul Bitok, on his part, termed Mutinda’s agility on the court “a game changer” for the bankers adding that she has a wonderful flair to carry the team to the next level.
Esther and Emmaculate are one of the six players that KCB signed from the evergreen Kwanthanze School production line.
Others Kwanthanze are Pauline Chemutai, Faith Cherotich, Magdalene Mwende and Elizabeth Mariana who didn’t travel to Tunisia due to injury.