Malkia Strikers squad for Olympic qualifiers named

National women’s volleyball team head coach Paul Bitok has named a 14-woman final squad for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers slated for January 5-9 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

In the absence of veteran setter Janet Wanja and Eshter Mutinda, Jane Wacu and Joy Luseneka are the only setters in the travelling party.

With Kenya Prisons middle blocker Trizah Atuka sidelined with a knee injury, teammate Joan Chelagat got the nod to fill the void.

Also, in the squad is evergreen left attacker and skipper Mercy Moim as well as the 2019 Africa’s best right attacker Sharon Chepchumba who was initially a doubt owing to an ankle injury.

Kenya will be facing off with hosts Cameroon, Egypt, Botswana and Nigeria for the sole African ticket at the Summer Games slated for July 24-August 9.

Bitok who led the team to African Games glory in Rabat, Morocco is optimistic his charges will end the 15-year drought at the Summer Games, with their last outing dating back to 2004.

“I urge my players to avoid complacency as our opponents are heavily preparing for this sole ticket. We have great confidence ahead of the competition thus we urge the nation to fully support us during the qualifiers,” Bitok said in a statement.

The team will depart on Friday, January 3.

Final squad

Setters: Jane Wacu, Joy Luseneka

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

Centre players: Edith Wisa, Gladys Ekaru, Joan Chelagat

Right attackers: Violet Makuto, Emmaculate Chemtai, Jemimah Siangu

Libero: Agripina Kundu, Elizabeth Wanyama

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Malkia Strikers Paul Bitok Cameroon 2020 Olympic Games

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