The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, will face a setback as star left attacker Sharon Chepchumba is set to miss the Africa Zone Five Championships in Egypt later this month.
Chepchumba, who plays professionally in Greece with PAOK, is scheduled to return to training on January 15, just five days before the championship kicks off. However, her club in Greece advised against her joining the team, citing the need for a specific recovery program tailored for her.
Head coach Japheth Munala expressed disappointment over the absence of Chepchumba but remains optimistic about the team’s chances in her absence. The Africa Zone Five Championship will also serve as a qualifier for the Africa Games scheduled for Ghana in March.
Munala believes that Kenya can secure qualification, with stiff competition expected from Egypt, Rwanda, and Uganda. In addition to Chepchumba, the team will also miss the services of Leonida Kasaya, who has not reported to training. The coaching staff is working to include Turkish-based player Veronica Adhiambo in the squad.
Malkia Strikers started training in Nairobi on Monday, and they are awaiting word from the Ministry for funding to enter residential training before traveling to Egypt on January 20.
KVF president Charles Nyaberi expressed confidence in both the men and women’s teams’ ability to qualify for the Africa Games, with the men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams already securing qualification. Coach Munala emphasized the need to take one game at a time and remain focused on winning the championship. The top two teams in the Africa Zone Five Championship will qualify for the Africa Games.
Despite the challenge of limited preparation time, Munala is confident in the team’s commitment and is determined to lead Malkia Strikers to success in the upcoming tournament. The provisional team includes 19 players, with the final traveling squad to be trimmed to 12.
Malkia Strikers Provisional Team
Setters: Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Joy Lusenaka
Liberos: Agripina Kundu, Lincy Jeruto, Elizabeth Wanyama
Opposite Players: Loice Simiyu, Pauline Itoo, Mercy Iminza
Middle Blockers: Edith Wisa, Lorine Chebet, Triza Atuka, Belinda Barasa
Outside Hitters: Mercy Moim (Captain), Jemimah Siangu, Juliana Namutira, Pamela Adhiambo, Sarah Namisi, Pamela Jepkirui
Technical Bench
Head Coach: Japeth Munala
Assistant Coach: Josp Barasa
Trainer: Janet Wanja
Team Manager: John Ogara
Physiotherapist: Sarah Karongo
