Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has named Kenya’s national men’s team Wafalme Stars and the women’s team Malkia Strikers squads for the forthcoming Africa Games in Accra, Ghana, starting March 8th, 2024.
This was unveiled on Sunday by KVF President Charles Nyaberi after the 3rd KVF league and the Arthur Odera Open Volleyball tournament at Malaba Stadium, in Busia County. The event was graced by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma and the tournament sponsor, and deputy governor, Arthur Odera.
Former League champions and current leaders General Service Unit have the bulk of players in the squad that will be under the tutelage of GSU VC head coach Gideon Tarus, assisted by Elisha Aliwa, and Denis Mokua.
GSU squad includes opposite hitter Joshua Kimaru, libero Hudson Kipchumba, setter Brian Melly, middle blocker Shadrack Misiko, and outside hitter, Nicholas Matui.
Kenya Ports Authority has three players in the squad. They are opposite hitter Peter Kamara, setter Gregory Kiplimo, and middle blocker Brian Kamonde. Equity Bank has middle blocker Wilson Cheruiyot, Kenya Forest Service has middle blocker Devis Ogutu while TrailBlazers has libero James Mutero.
The squad is boosted by professional players. They include former GSU opposite hitter Abiud Chirchir, who plays his trade in Saudi Arabia. Other professionals include former KPA opposite hitter Enock Mogeni, middle blocker Simon Kipkorir, outside hitter Elvis Kimuttai, and Dennis omollo.
Players who are making their maiden participation with Wafalme Stars include Cheruiyot, Esokon, and Kipchumba. Together with Adhiambo, they missed the All Africa Games Zone 5 Games in Egypt last January due to club commitments.
KVF named a provisional squad for Malikia Strikers to represent Kenya at the continental games Kenya Pipeline has seven players. They include opposite hitter Loise Simiyu,libero Agripina Kundu, and Delphine Misaki, middle blocker Lorine Chebet, and outside hitter, Leonida Kasaya.
KCB has five players. They include libero Lincy Jeruto, setters Esther Mutinda, and Emmaculate Nekesa, middle blocker Belinda Barasa, and outside hitters Jemimh Siangu, and Juliana Namutira. DCI has opposite hitter Mercy Kiminza and outside hitter Sarah Namisi.
Most valuable player during playoffs last October Pamela Adhiambo plays professional volleyball in Greece with Panionios while Edith Mukuvilzni plays her trade in Oman, Middle East.
Kenya will also feature in Beach volleyball. Women players making the team in Accra include Gaudencia Makokha and Naomi Too, of Kenya Pipeline, Yvonne Wavinya of Kenya Prisons, and Shirteen Sembel. They will be under Salome Wanjala as head coach.
The men’s team comprises Elphas Makuto and Jairus Kipkosgei of Kenya Prisons Donald Mchete, and Edward Kibet. Ibrahim Oduor will lead the team’s technical bench.
By Absalom Namwalo
