Malkia Strikers trim squad to 20 ahead of World Championship

The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 7 in Thailand.

The selected players have been undergoing non-residential training at Nyayo National Stadium, following weeks of assessment by the technical bench, led by head coach Geoffrey Omondi.

The team has been gradually shaping up after starting with a larger pool of 29 players.

Among the notable names in the current squad are captain Meldina Sande, outside hitters Daisy Leting and Veronica Adhiambo, and middle blockers Belinda Barasa and Gladys Ekaru.

The squad also includes three setters, Emmaulate Nekesa, Fridah Boke, and Marclean Okoko, alongside a solid lineup of opposite hitters and liberos.

Set to face a tough draw in Pool G against Poland, Germany, and Vietnam, the Malkia Strikers are banking on a blend of experience and rising stars to make an impact.

Kenya will be looking to build on their spirited performance in the 2022 edition in the Netherlands, where they secured a memorable straight-sets win over arch-rivals Cameroon.

However, the road to Thailand begins with more refinement.

The final squad of 14 players will be announced before the team departs for an international friendly tournament in Vietnam scheduled between August 15 and 20.

Among the players dropped are Vallerie Chepkoech (Kenya Defence Forces), Vivian Vugutsa (DCI), and libero Peninah Wafula.

Sharon Sandui of Kenya Prisons also misses out due to injury, alongside attackers Valentine Jemutai and Miriam Musa.

The technical team includes assistant coaches Esther Jepkosgei and David Muthui, trainer Azenga Mavisi, and physiotherapist Sarah Karongo.

As preparations intensify, the Malkia Strikers remain determined to uphold their legacy and elevate their status on the global stage, aiming to go beyond past achievements and bring pride to the nation.