Munala confident his youthful team will shine in Japan

Seasoned setters Janet Wanja and Jane Wacu headline the final squad announced by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) technical bench on Tuesday for the World Championship set for Japan next month.

Also joining the duo in the 14-member squad are skipper Mercy Moim, Violet Makuto, Triza Atuka, and Agripina Kundu.

Middle blocker Lorine Chebet and left attacker Sharon Chepchumba who both featured for Kwanthanze Secondary School in last year’s East African School Championship, are the new faces in the Japheth Munala coached side.

Another debutant for the global fiesta is Kenya Prisons Emmaculate Chemtai, whose splendid performance in the African championship last year in Cameroon earned her a place in the team.

However, there was no room for the under- 23 fast rising duo Veronica Tanui and Kwanthanze alumni Yvonne Wavinya, with another budding star Joy Luseneka also  trimmed out.

Speaking to the Citizen Digital at the Kasarani Indoor arena after unveiling his final squad, head Coach Japheth Munala said the young team is ready to conquer the world.

“My squad has many young players who are fresh and I think they will help us a lot. I had to mix the young talent and experienced ones because to ensure there is vitality and continuity,’’ said Munala.

Munala who doubles up as the Kenya Pipeline tactician is however cautious of the threat posed by champions Brazil and Serbia.

“We are in the same pool with champions Brazil and they are among our toughest opponents. Although I respect them, I don’t fear them. I have selected the best squad and I am raring to go,” an optimistic Munala averred.

Malkia are pooled in group D alongside Brazil, Serbia, Kazakhstan and Puerto Rico.

The team jets out on September 18 for the competition which is set to serve off from September 29 to October 30 in Japan’s capital Tokyo.

Malkia strikers 2018 squad members to Japan 

Setters
1. Jane Wacu
2. Janet Wanja
Middle blockers 
1. Edith Wisah
2. Trizah Atuka
3. Lorine Chebet
4. Christine Siwa
Left attackers
1. Mercy Moim
2. Noel Murambi
3. Sharon Chepchumba
4. Leonida Kasaya
Right attackers
1. Violet Makuto
2. Emmaculate Chemtai
Libero
1. Elizabeth Wanyama
3. Agripina Kundu