By Kuti Dare

The Technical Director of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Martins Melandi has debunked rumours that there are multiple screening taking place at the U-18 girls and U-19 boys in Kaduna.

Melandi revealed that some players were set aside from the new players because they are still eligible to play in the age grade teams.

The former referee said, “The true situation of things is that there are no multiple screening taking place in Kaduna; the Federation are only engaged in the U18 girls and U19 boys screening respectively.

“There are few players of the previous U-18 girls and U19 boys who played at these age category and their passport shows that they are still eligible to play by FIVB standard.

“We separated them from the new players so that they do not overshadowed them and we went ahead to screening out over age from the new players. The eligible new players were now group into teams to play each other while the selection was taking place.

He further said, “The former players but eligible players were group into teams to play each other so that the coaches will see their current form. By all standards, these are not multiple screening as alleged.

Melandi advised players in camp to stay focused and not depend on their various coaches for favouritism.

He said, “My advice to the players is to remain focus during the screening exercise”