Kenya’s National Volleyball Team Upbeat Despite Missing Star

National Women’s Volleyball Champions KCB has produced six players who have joined the national team Malkia Strikers for the Challenger Cup slated for 4th-7th July, 2024, in the Philippines.

The five are setter Esther Mutinda, opposite attacker Juliana Namutira, middle blockers Belinda Barasa and Edith Wisa, Sharon Chepchumba, and libero Lincy Jeruto. KCB’s Japheth Munala will coach the team. Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok will be the team’s technical director.

 “We know the task ahead is a daunting one,” said Head Coach, Mr Japheth Munala, speaking when the team departed the country Monday morning, “but I am convinced we have a quality team that will compete against the top guns. We have prepared well for this tourney after the conclusion of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league. We hope to register a good outing.”

The team will, however, miss the services of the experienced captain, Mercy Moim, who will not participate in the four-day global event. Mr Munala believes the squad is well-oiled despite her absence.

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“I know many people are asking how we will cope with the absence of the seasoned Mercy Moim who has been a mainstay of the team for years. I wish to tell them that we are banking on the depth of our squad to compete. We intend to mix the fresh and experienced players in this quest,” added Mr Munala.

Featuring eight national teams in each gender, the tournament will be played in a single elimination format with the winners qualifying for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.The first edition of the tournament will see 18 men and women teams participate.

Other inclusions in the squad include Veronica Adhiambo, Loice Simiyu, Pamela Adhiambo, Immaculate Nekesa, Triza Atuka, Lorine Chebet, Aggripina Kundu, Jemimah Siang’u, Leonida Kasaya, and Meldina Sande.

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