Ex-Kwanthaze duo set for Malkia Strikers debuts

Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala has named two debutants in his provisional squad of 20 for the Africa Zone Five All African Games Qualifiers which begin on May 18 to 24 in Uganda.

Kenya Pipeline setter Easter Mutinda and middle-blocker Gladys Ekaru – both who graduated from Kwanthanze Secondary School last year – have made it to the squad for the first time.

The national team’s technical director David Lung’aho says he is confident in the squad he they have named, being a blend of youthful and experienced players.

“It is a strong squad and the most important thing because we are building succession and this is the best squad in recent times. It is a good opportunity for them to grow,” he said.

Also in the squad is another former Kwanthanze student, Sharon Chepchumba who was feted as the best attacker at this year’s CAVB Women’s Volleyball Championship and KCB’s middle blocker Loraine Chebet.

Setter Jane Wacu who plies her trade in Seychelles with Anse Royale (ARSU) and Pipeline’s long-serving Janet Wanja as well as captain Mercy Moim are among the experienced faces in the team.

Kenya Pipeline’s Triza Atuka and KCB’s Noel Murambi, who have been a core of the team in the recent past, also make part of the team which has vowed to take Kenya back to the top of African Volleyball.

The team will report to the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Monday and the final 14-member squad will be announced on May 15 before departing for Uganda on May16.

The six-day championship will involve hosts Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda as well as Egypt. The winner of the Zone Five qualifier will earn a ticket to the finals of All African Games set for Morocco in August.

Kenya is the defending champions after edging Cameroon by 3-1 sets in the finals held in DRC Congo in 2015.

MALKIA STRIKERS PROVISIONAL SQUAD

1.Edith  Mukuvilani

2.Emmaculat Chemtai

3.Joy Lusenaka

4.Pamela Jepkirui

5.Elizabeth Wanyama

6.Mercy Moim

7.Jane Wacu

8.Trizah Atuka

9.Gladys Ekaru

10.Esther Mutinda

11.Agripina Kundu

12.Sharon Chepchumba

13. Janet Wanja

14.Noel Murambi

15.Leonida Kasaya

16.Violet Makuto

17.Lorine Chebet

18.Jemima Siangu

19.Linzy Jeruto

20.Caroline Sirengo