Kipchirchir, Mogeni surprise inclusions in Kenyas Zone Five squad

Kenya’s men senior volleyball team head coach Moses Epoloto has named three debutants in his provisional squad of 20 for the Africa Zone Five All African Games qualifiers which will be held from June 5 to 10 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

League champions General Service Unit’s (GSU) left attacker Nicholas Kipchirchir, Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) Enock Mogeni and Nick Kimutai of Administration Police have made it to the squad for the first time.

The national team’s technical director David Lung’aho says he is confident in the squad named as it is a blend of youth and experience.

“It is a strong squad and the most important thing because we are planning with transition in mind. This is the best squad in recent times. It is a good opportunity for them to grow,” he said.

Lung’aho who doubles up as Kenya Prisons tactician challenged the team to prove their mettle by emulating the heroic performance of their female counterparts, the Malkia Strikers, who clinched the title in 2015 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I have realised that the men team has big potential and we can emulate our women who in the past have put Kenya on the volleyball map,” he tremarked.

Also in the squad is captain Jairus Kipkosgei of Prisons, hard-hitting right-attacker Mike Chemos who will be relied upon to give guidance owing to his wealth of experience and seasoned setter Kelvin Kiokosgei.

The team is set to start intensive training on Wednesday at the Kasarani Indoor Arena with the final 12-member squad set to be announced later this month.

Zone V brings together 12 countries and is the largest in the CAVB region. The countries in the zone include Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya’s long-time rivals Egypt, Tanzania and Sudan.

Others are Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

LEFT ATTACKERS

  1. Sila Kipruto (Prisons)
  2. Jairus Kipkosgei (Prisons)
  3. Bonfentry Mukethe (GSU)
  4. Nicholas Kipchirchir (GSU)
  5. Cornelius Kiplagat (GSU)

CENTRES

  1. Simon Kipkorir (GSU)
  2. Rogers Kipkirui (PRISONS)
  3. Sammy Ngeny (KPA)
  4. Linus Sang (APK)
  5. Cornelius Rotich (GSU)

RIGHT ATTACKERS

  1. Abiud Kipkirui (GSU)
  2. Michael Chemos (PRISONS)
  3. Kelvin Omuse (Equity)
  4. Enock Mogeni (KPA)

SETTERS

  1. Kelvin Kiokosgei (PRISONS)
  2. Brian Melly (GSU)
  3. Nick Kimutai (APK)

LIBEROS

  1. Sam Juma (KPA)
  2. Noah Bett (GSU)
  3. James Mutero (Equity)

Tags:

kenya Kasarani Indoor Arena men team Africa Zone Five All African Games volleyball squad

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