This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Kenyan volleyball player Sila Kipruto's dreams of reaching full potential in Saudi Arabia have been dashed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 2020, the Saudi Volleyball Federation (SVF) suspended the 2020 volleyball league following a directive from the General Sports Authority, citing the need to protect players and staff from the virus.
As of Thursday, Saudi Arabia had reported 30,251 COVID-19 cases, 200 deaths, and 5,431 recoveries.
"I was optimistic that the remaining league matches would be rescheduled for a later date but it is sad that won't happen," Kipruto said, expressing his disappointment at the cancellation of the league.
With his six-month contract with Al Jawa ending last month, Kipruto's future with the club remains uncertain, and he is now considering his options.
"As a result, I can't really tell whether my contract will be renewed or not but we will have to wait and see," he said.
Al Jawa finished sixth in the Saudi Arabia Volleyball League last season and were placed fourth from 10 matches played before the season was called off.
Kipruto is in regular communication with the Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia on travel arrangements and is eager to return home.
"Officials at the embassy have assured me of my return home, and that is comforting," he said.
