Malkia Strikers squad for Africa Zone Five Qualifiers named

The national women’s volleyball coach Japheth Munala alongside Italian tactician Shailene Ramdoo have named a strong squad that will represent the country in the Africa Zone Five All African Games Qualifiers set to start on May 18 to 24 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, Uganda.

Munala’s 12-woman squad includes experienced setters Jane Wacu who plies her trade in Seychelles with Anse Royale (ARSU) and Kenya Pipeline’s long-serving Janet Wanja – who command a combined experience of over three decades in the game.

With Munala choosing to go for experience as he gears his charges for sole regional ticket ahead of the August championship set for Morocco, there was no place for setter Easter Mutinda and middle-blocker Gladys Ekaru – both who graduated from Kwanthanze Secondary School last year.

Also in the Malkia Strikers squad is seasoned Kenya Prisons left attacker and captain Mercy Moim, fast-rising Sharon Chepchumba who was feted best attacker at this year’s CAVB Women’s Volleyball Championship and KCB’s middle blocker Loraine Chebet.

Chepchumba and Chebet will be turning up for the second time in the national team after making their debut last year during World Championship held in Japan.

Ahead of the week-long event, Wacu who captains her side in Seychelles is brimming with confidence and she is banking on the experienced squad to shine in Uganda.

“This is the best squad being a blend of youthful and experienced players, and I think we will bag the rights to represent Zone five region in Morocco. I believe after my stint in Seychelles I have something to offer and we are ready to face any one,” she said.

The team has been training at the Kasarani Indoor Arena for the last two weeks with arrival of 52-year old Ramdoo who was seconded to Kenya by FIVB bolstering the technical bench something Wacu says is a big shot in the arm to the national team.

“He is helping us much in terms of basics and every player is ready to learn because for sure volleyball is evolving scientifically,” she added.

Kenya, who are the All African Games defending champions, will line up against hosts Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Egypt. The team will depart for Uganda on Saturday.

 

SQUAD

Setters: Jane Wacu, Janet Wanja

Right Attackers: Violet Makuto, Emaculate Chemtai

Left Attackers: Mercy Moim, Noel Murambi, Leonida Kasaya, Sharon Chepchumba

Middle Blockers: Triza Atuka, Lorine Chebet, Edith Wisa

Libero: Aggripina Kundu

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