Kipkirui,Meli surprise inclusions as Men Volleyball squad is named

The national men volleyball team head coach Moses Epoloto on Wednesday afternoon named a 12-man squad which will fly the country’s flag in the African Nation Championship set to take place in Cairo, Egypt from October 22-29.

The competition will also act as a qualifier to the 2018 World Nations Championship.

The team which jets out on October 20 will be captained by Jairus Kipkosgei. Also in the squad is veteran spiker Michael Chemos, who will be relied upon to give guidance owing to his wealth of experience.

The surprise inclusions are youngsters Abiud Kipkirui, 20, and Brain Meli, 18.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, Epoloto challenged his charges to prove their mettle by emulating the heroic performance of their female counterparts, the Malkia Strikers, who finished runners up in the Women Championship held in Yaoundé, Cameroon to bag a berth to the world set for Japan.

But even as they prepare for the continental assignment, their preparation has come under scrutiny as they are yet to play any international friendly.

Full squad

Michael Chemos – Kenya prisons

Brian Meli -GSU

Kelvin kipkosgei- prisons

Jairus kipkosgei –Prisons (captain)

Simon Kipkorir -GSU

Hudson Wanyama- Prisons

Nicholas Matui -Nairobi Water

Cornelius Kirwa- GSU

Salim Khaoya- Kenya Ports Authority

Bonfentry Wekesa -GSU

Abiud Kipkirui- GSU

Rodgers Kipkirui- prisons