Malkia Strikers primed for global honour
The Kenya national women’s volleyball team (Malkia Strikers) unveiled a formidable squad ahead of the FIVB Challenger Cup and the Africa Nations Cup, on Wednesday in Nairobi.
Unveiling the provisional squad that is set for a training camp in Morocco were Kenya Volleyball Federation executive committee members, led by the acting chairperson Charles Nyaberi.
“We have named a brilliant squad that is set to bring glory to Kenya. We have confidence that these ladies will make Kenya proud,” Nyaberi said.
Long-serving veteran Mercy Moim of KCB will lead professional Veronica Adhiambo of Tarsus Belediyespor of Turkey, Juliana Namutira of KCB, Leonida Kasaya of Kenya Pipeline, Jemima Siango of DCI and Yvonne Wavinya of Kenya Prisons as the outside hitters (left attackers).
Emmaculate Nekesa and Esher Mutinda from KCB will join Rose Magoi of Kenya Pipeline and Veronica Kilaba of KDF to complete the setters.
The opposite players, who were named, are professional Sharon Chumba of Aris Thessaloniki from Greece, Loise Simiyu of Kenya Pipeline and last season’s Kenya volleyball national league playoffs MVP Pamela Adhiambo of Pipeline.
Another Kenya Pipeline player Agripina Kundu and Delphine Misoki of Kenya Prisons have been named as the liberos.
Africa Club championships second-best shooter Trizah Atuka of Kenya Pipeline will lead the middle blockers together with KCB’s duo comprising Edith Wisa and Belinda Barasa.
Kenya Prisons Lorine Chebet and Kenya Pipeline’s Glady’s Ekaru complete the list of the five middle blockers.
The FIVB Challenger Cup is set for France from July 27-30 and the organizers have already confirmed Colombia, Mexico and hosts France as the teams to battle it out with Kenya.
Right after the assignment, Malkia Strikers will have little rest as the Africa Nations Cup in Cameroon scheduled for the month of August awaits them.
The 21st edition of the African showpiece will take place at the Yaounde Multi-Purpose Sports Complex from August 6-18 in Cameroon’s capital city. Malkia strikers will be coached by the 57-year-old Brazilian tactician Luizomar de Moura assisted by KCB Technical Director Paul Bitok and their head coach Japheth Munala who will now shift focus to the national team.
