GSU setter Mathias Kemboi in a past training session at Nyayo National Stadium under close watch of team coach Gideon Tarus.
When Mathias Kemboi played for Kenya Forest Service (KFS) during the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League in 2022, little did he know that two seasons later, he would be a household name, with a different team.
Kemboi helped KFS push reigning champions then General Service Unit to a five-set thriller that the forest men lost.
Two seasons later, setter Kemboi played an integral part in GSU’s National League title-winning campaign.
It was a fantastic season for Kemboi who had played second fiddle to Kenya’s first-choice setter Brian Melly for the better of the 2023 season.
But back to 2022. “After the match, GSU coach Gideon Tarus asked me if I could move to GSU. He told me I had played well and he wanted me to join his team. I didn’t hesitate because I knew when I joined GSU, I would improve.
“When I linked up with the team in 2023, a lot of players had retired while many had left the club for professional stints outside the country including first setter Brian Melly,” Kemboi opened up about his volleyball journey after receiving the best setter award at the recently ended National League play-off finals at the Moi International Sports Centre, indoor arena in Nairobi.
GSU beat Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 3-0 (25-19,25-22.25-21) to reclaim the title they lost in 2024.
“The pressure was on. GSU is a big club and the expectations from the management and the fans at large were on another level. I knew I wouldn’t fit in Melly’s shoes because he is a big name but I wanted to create a niche for myself and I must admit the first season was tough.
“We were exchanging roles with Nicholas Lagat the other setter and so it was a matter of learning. But when Melly rejoined the team, we would be under his shadows.
“I went out of my way, did personal workouts, watched lots of videos of other setters across the world, and after two seasons, the hard work, determination and patience have paid off, I’m among the starting seven in the team,” Kemboi, 24, said with pride.
Kemboi, who stands at 190 cm, formed part of the GSU “Dream Team” that had the Most Valuable Player Nicholas Matui, best server Chris Owalo, best outside hitter Naftali Chumba, best opposite hitter Peter Kamara, best middle blocker Shadrack Misiko, and best libero Hudson Kipchumba.
Kemboi, who hails from Simati village in Uasin Gishu County, said his best is yet to come.
“I hope to make it to the national team. I want to turn professional. The award has motivated me to go for more glory,” he added.
Kemboi who made his continental debut at this year's African Club Championship in Libya hoped for an improved performance in the coming editions.
“We didn’t perform well during this year’s championship in Libya. Most of the players were making their maiden appearances and so the results were expected but I know we will have a better outing next year. We finished ninth in a 23-team event. But our focus now switches to the Kenya Cup set for next month,” said Kemboi, the last born in a family of four.
Kemboi who went to St Patrick's Iten Secondary School said he chose volleyball over basketball after Form Four as there were no basketball courts in their village, Simati has produced several elite players the likes of Melly, Kelvin Maiyo (Prisons) and Nicholas Kiplagat (GSU).
He has sampled several clubs.
"When I cleared Secondary school in 2017, I played open tournaments and I caught the eyes of KPA. I had a short stint there but later moved to Equity Bank in 2018. I was in the cold for two years when I took a break because I could not find a club I was comfortable with. In 2020, I joined the Administration Police of Kenya but Coronavirus hit and so there were no sporting activities,” said Kemboi.
“And when activities resumed in 2021, I joined KFS where I was able to settle for two seasons before I moved to GSU in 2023.I have had a rough journey and the recent accolades just go to show my determination and perseverance.
“I could have quit the sport in 2018 after I sat out for two seasons but looking back now, I’m happy I held on,” said Kemboi who admires United States of America setter Micah Christenson.
