Malkia Strikers ‘transiting’ ahead of Japan 2018

National women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, head coach Japheth Munala says the national team is in transition and that is why has began early preparations for the forthcoming 2018 FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Championship set for Tokyo, Japan in September 29 to October 20.

The team started their training on Monday at Moi International Sports Complex ,Kasarani ahead of the tourney and Munala says there are many young players among the 28 who he called-up to report to the camp and that there is a lot of work before he announces the finals squad to represent Kenya.

“We have new faces in the camp and the team is in transition so there is a lot before I get the final team. I know the new blood will blade well with the seasoned players before September,’’ said Munala who doubles up as the Kenya Pipeline tactician.

Among those who have earned a place in the team are Seychelles-based setters Jane Wacu and Gaudencia Makokha who plies her trade in Poland and the two will link up with the squad by the end of June.

Seasoned players in the squad who have been around and will be expected to impart skills to the new blood are captain Mercy Moim, Violet Makuto, Everlyn Makuto, Trizah Atuka, and Janet Wanja among others.

‘’We will intensify our training from next week because some of the players have not reported like KCB players who were in Rwanda for Genocide Memorial Tournament are yet to report but I expect the full house from Monday’’ he told Citizen Digital.

The coach has called on the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to organise high profile matches against global powerhouses such as China, USA and Brazil so that they can get exposure from the best.

Nine-time African champions, landed in Pool D in the world championships draw held last December.

The Kenyan queens were paired alongside the might of world-beaters Serbia and Brazil as well as Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Kazakhstan.

Kenya qualified for the extravaganza despite losing to the Cameroon 3-0 in a pulsating African Nations Cup final at the Palais des Sports Hall in Yaoundé.

MALKIA STRIKERS PROVISIONAL SQUAD

Kenya Pipeline

Noel Murambi

Leonida Kasaya

Violet Makuto

Trizah Atuka

Agripina Kundu

Celestine Nafula

Christine Siwa

Janet Wanja

Jemima Siangu

Prisons Kenya

Mercy Moim

Everlyne Makuto

Edith Mukuvilani

Emmaculate Chemtai

Jane Wacu

Lorine Chebet

Sharon Chepchumba

Yvonne Wavinya

Joy Lusenaka

Elizabeth Wanyama

Pamela Masaisai

KCB

Milgrine Lituvula

Lincy Jeruto

Eglay Kulova

Nancy Mulonza

DCI

Josephine Nafula

Jane Mumbua

Caroline Sirengo

Bungoma County

Caren Jeruto