Kenya’s Paul Bitok steps down as Rwanda National volleyball team head coach

Kenyan born Rwanda National Volleyball team head coach Paul Bitok will not extend his stay in Rwanda after his contract expires on 30th June, 2019. This will bring to an end of a 10 year successful stint by the Kenyan tactician in Rwanda. The 48 year-old Bitok was appointed as the Rwandese Volleyball Head Coach in 2010 and has steered Rwanda to great achievements. In 2011, he guided Rwanda’s Men Senior team to finish at fourth position in the All Africa Games played in Maputo, Mozambique.

His major achievement came this year when he guided both the Men and Women’s teams to qualifying for the World volleyball Championships to be staged in Germany; later in the year. Among other achievements, Bitok also (in 2016) guided the Rwandan senior women’s indoor team qualification for the 2018 Commonwealth games.

The Kenyan volleyball tactician was supposed to extend his contract by one year to June, 2020 but has now said he will be quitting at the end of this month. “Dear Rwanda volleyball federation ,Rwanda volleyball family, volleyball fanatics and ministry of sports . The past 10 years have been the most successful and best in my volleyball career. In the recent weeks, I announced intent to step down at the end my contract on 30th June 2019,” wrote Bitok on his official Facebook page.

“However, on request by the Federation, I reconsidered adding one more year to ensure a smooth transition and the success of championships scheduled for 2019/20 period.Unfortunately, after great consideration and in consultation with the federation, my family and close friends, I have decided not to extend by 1 more year. Nonetheless, I am overly humbled for this consideration by the Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Culture. I will forever cherish being part of Rwandas volleyball development and success. I will always remain that huge Rwandan Volleyball fan,” added Bitok without stating reasons for his sudden change of mind.

In Musanze last year; during the East Africa Secondary School Games, Bitok was instrumental as he guided G.S Indangaburezi of Rwanda to finish in second place behind girls’ volleyball title winners; Kenya’s Kwanthanze and their male counterparts, St. Joseph, who won gold.