Lung’aho refutes Malkia Strikers mass pregnancy claims

National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers Technical Director David Lung’aho has rubbished rumors doing rounds that majority of his players are pregnant, thus won’t feature in the forthcoming FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Championship.

Lung’aho dismissed the reports terming them “madness,’’ saying the alleged players are no longer part of his playing unit.

“Those players who were mentioned are Ruth Chepngetich, Lydiah Mayora, and Cindy Magara. They were released from the team two years ago. How can I include them?”

The coach added the reports will not distract his team noting the focus remains a stellar performance in the Championship slated for Tokyo, Japan from September 29.

“It is difficult to understand the motive of the people who spread such stories. The team is in the camp and you wonder why someone cannot come and verify everything before running such controversial stories….” averred the TD.

The squad which comprises of 22 players includes debutants who Lung’aho says impressed during training.

“We have new faces in the camp and the team is in transition so there is a lot before I get the final team. I know the new blood will blend well with the seasoned players before September.

“Our objective is to qualify for World Championship; we are going for a win. We are ready because we have had intense training for the last one month at Kasarani training camp in Nairobi,” Lungaho offered.

Last week, the team got a boost after securing a sponsorship deal from National Oil Refinery Company, seeing the players are paid allowances on right time.

The team will jet out to Japan a week ahead of schedule in order to acquaint themselves with the Far East weather, according Lung’aho.

The team has pitched camp at Moi International Sports Complex Kasarani for the last one month for preparation.

Malkia are pooled in group D alongside Brazil, Serbia, Kazakhstan and Puerto Rico.