Bitok names Malkia Strikers World Champs provisional squad

Bitok is handling the team alongside four Brazilian coaches, led by Luizomar de Moura, who have been seconded to Kenya by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as part of the Volleyball Empowerment Programme in Sao Paulo.

The seasoned coach injected fresh blood in the 20-member squad by giving first call ups to six rookies led by KCB trio of Magdaline Mwende, Belinda Barasa and Faith Imodia, Kenya Prisons outside hitter Meldinah Sande, KDF setter Veronica Kilabat and libero Veronica Makokha.

Fresh from winning the African Club Championship with KCB, captain Mercy Moim and Edith Wisa are among the seasoned players Bitok retained.

Kenya Prisons outside hitter Yvonne Wavinya, Kenya Pipeline middle blocker Trizah Atuka, KCB setter Emmaculate Nekesa are back in the squad which is scheduled to leave the country for the South American nation on June 18.

“Our target remains to reach the elusive second round at the championship. We thank Kenya Volleyball Federation for securing this sponsorship because inadequate preparations has been hurting our performances.

“The Brazilian coaches will also help us a lot even as we seek to announce our name at the international stage.”

From Brazil, the team will head to Serbia mid-August where they have lined up friendly matches against the reigning champions and local clubs before heading to Netherlands for the competition.

“We will play Serbia, Colombia and other local clubs before finally heading to the host nation. We went to the Olympics without playing any build up match and it’s impossible to perform when you’ve not put to test what you have been training for,” he added.

Malkia Strikers are in Group A of the Championship and will face off with African rivals Cameroon, Puerto Rico, hosts Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.

Provisional squad

Left hitters: Mercy Moim (KCB), Noel Murambi, Veronica Adhiambo (Kenya Pipeline), Pamela Jepkirui, Meldinah Sande, Yvonne Wavinya (Kenya Prisons).

Middel blockers: Trizah Atuka, Gladys Ekaru (Kenya Pipeline), Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa, Magdaline Mwende (KCB), Lorine Chebet (Kenya Prisons) 

Right attacker: Sharon Chepchumba (KCB), Emmaculate Chemtai (Kenya Prisons), Violet Makuto (Kenya Pipeline)