Premium
Electrician by day, national team player by night
What you need to know:
- The first-born from a family of four children is a top volleyball player at Equity Bank Volleyball Club
- In 2023, Bethoven enrolled in a programme at Centurion Systems Limited where he advanced his skills in Industrial Automation
- Bethoven has played volleyball since 2011 after ditching football and rugby
When did you develop an interest in this sport?
My journey began in 2011 after watching my school team play. Although I was discouraged due to my height, I joined the team as a ball boy, carrying 16 balls in a 90kg sack, where I picked up basic skills. The late Coach Nicholas Kidha noticed my dedication and included me in zonal competitions. I trained hard. Though the training was tough, it shaped me. I started as an opposite player but shifted to middle blocker due to my good front-court defense skills.
In 2016 while in high school, we reached the regional finals. I later represented Siaya County in the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games and Kenya Technical Institutions Sports Association (KETISA) Games and then joined the Dominion Volleyball Club under coach Martin Ochieng. My entry into the national volleyball league came unexpectedly. I was invited to watch Vihiga County play in Bungoma, but ended up joining the game mid-match, then stayed on for the rest of the season.
My standout performance against KDF in 2021 caught the attention of then Equity Assistant Coach Jeremiah Mkopi, and I was recruited. I joined the club in 2023 and competed in the 2024 African Club Championship in Cairo, where we finished 11th out of 22 teams.
Why volleyball?
In Form One, I had tried football and rugby, but after seeing a teammate get seriously injured, I feared playing rugby. I still wanted to participate in sports, especially so that I could go for outings, and that’s how I found myself playing volleyball.
Kenya Volleyball Federation official Mududa Waweru (left) presents Best Libero award to Bethoven Okombo at the Kipchumba Karori International Volleyball Tournament that took place in December 2024 at the Eldoret National Polytechnic.
How does your family view your involvement in volleyball?
They are very supportive. My dad hoped I would follow his path in music, but he respected and supported my passion. Sometimes, they even come to watch my games.
What challenges have you faced in your career so far?
The biggest challenge came after high school. Volleyball was not popular where I lived, and there were no local clubs. I had to travel long distances to train and play. In college, juggling a demanding academic schedule, sports, and personal life was tough. Classes ran from morning to evening, leaving little time to train, even though I had become a regular player in the league. Financial constraints also affected the clubs I played for, making it hard to honour fixtures despite training hard.
How have you benefited from volleyball in any way?
This game has brought me opportunities and exposure I never imagined. I’ve traveled to Egypt and Tunisia and built resilience, discipline, and friendships. Right now, as I look for a job, volleyball is my main source of income and purpose.
What are your achievements in volleyball? Tell us what it takes to get them…
I was named Best Libero at the 2024 Kipchumba Karori International tournament in Eldoret. Being a libero requires mental toughness, quick reflexes, agility, and strong game awareness. A libero commands service reception, digs powerful attacks, and keeps the team’s defense organised. It demands physical endurance, leadership, and constant communication—sometimes even sacrificing your body to keep the ball in play.
Have you had moments in your volleyball journey you consider as best or worst?
Yes. My best moments are when I make a save and it turns into a score. It is fulfilling when my efforts contribute directly to a win. The worst moments are injuries that keep me off the court or losing a match we had the potential to win.
Your goals for this season?
I aim to represent Kenya at the international level and play professionally abroad. I want to challenge myself and fully maximise my talent.
Who is your role model?
I never had a specific one. I’ve always drawn motivation from within and now hope to inspire the next generation of players.
What is your take on Kenya men’s volleyball which has literally lived in the shadows of their women counterparts?
Men’s volleyball has long been underfunded and overlooked. People assume men can manage on their own, which might explain the lack of support. While the women’s team, Malkia Strikers, enjoys sponsorships from betting firms and brands like Java, Wafalme Stars have none. We often struggle to access training, contracts, and visibility.
In your opinion, what should be done to raise men’s volleyball in Kenya to international levels?
Men’s volleyball in Africa is more competitive than women’s, but Kenya lacks the structures and investment needed. If we had academies, proper funding, and consistent support—like Egypt or Libya—the men’s team could rise to that level.
What lessons in volleyball do you find useful in your daily life?
Volleyball has taught me about teamwork, communication, and trust. I’ve learned to bounce back after mistakes, stay positive, and persevere through challenges. It has helped build my confidence and self-belief. The sport demands constant communication and adaptability—skills that are essential in everyday life, whether in relationships, work, or tough situations.
Apart from volleyball, what else do you do?
I’m actively looking for a job. Currently, I do electrical and solar installation, repair, and maintenance. I also do Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming.
