In Summary:
- Kenya’s Malkia Strikers have revealed their initial team for the 2025 World Championship in Thailand, focusing on fresh talent.
- The squad includes many standout players from the local league, led by new head coach Geoffrey Omondi, aiming for a strong performance.
- The team faces strong opponents like Poland and Germany in their pool, and will prepare with a training camp in Vietnam.
The Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national volleyball team, are getting ready for the 2025 World Championship in Thailand with a new look. The team, under new coach Geoffrey Omondi, is bringing in many young, talented players who did well in the local league. They’re preparing to face tough teams from around the world and are aiming to make a big impact, building on their success in African volleyball.
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Youthful Energy and Local League Dominance Power New Roster
The selection for this year’s Malkia Strikers squad highlights the KVF’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, with many players earning their spots through standout performances in the recently concluded KVF National League.
Kenya Pipeline Club (KPC), the reigning league champions, has a strong representation.
Daisy Leting, who was crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), is a key figure, alongside her KPC teammates Emmaculate Nekesa (Best Setter) and Gladys Ekaru (Best Middle Blocker and team captain).
Other impressive additions include DCI’s Sarah Namisi (Best Server) and KCB’s Juliana Namutira (Outside Hitter), all demonstrating their readiness for the national team.
This deliberate move towards a younger squad means the absence of some well-known veterans, such as former captain Mercy Moim, Trizah Atuka, and Edith Mukuvilani.
This decision reflects the KVF’s strategic rebuilding phase following the Malkia Strikers’ group-stage exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The goal is to create a dynamic blend of youthful energy and foundational experience to compete effectively. As Coach Omondi, who also guided KPC to their league title, noted, “We’re rewarding players who’ve shown they can deliver.”
Navigating a Tough World Stage: African Dominance vs. Global Challenge
While the Malkia Strikers boast an impressive record of 10 African titles, showcasing their regional supremacy, the FIVB World Championship has historically presented a tougher challenge.
Their last appearance in the 2022 edition saw them secure a notable straight-sets victory over continental rivals Cameroon, but they did not advance past the group stage.
The 2025 tournament will demand even greater performance, especially with strong European teams like Poland and Germany in their pool, alongside a rapidly improving Vietnam squad.
To prepare for these global battles, the team plans a week-long training camp in Vietnam, aiming to acclimatize to the environment and fine-tune their tactical approach.
Coach Omondi’s aspiration for the team is clear: “The goal is to compete, not just show up.”
This championship will also feature other African representatives, with Cameroon placed in Pool H (alongside Serbia, Japan, and Ukraine) and Egypt in Pool A (with hosts Thailand, the Netherlands, and Sweden), underscoring the continent’s growing presence in international volleyball.
A strong showing by the Malkia Strikers could significantly boost the sport’s development and popularity back home in Kenya.
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The Team and the Road Ahead
The provisional squad, a diverse mix of talent from various Kenyan clubs, covers all crucial positions:
- Setters: Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC), Fridah Boke (KCB), Marcleen Okoko (Prisons), Vivian Vuguza (DCI), Vallarie Chepkoech (KDF)
- Middle Blockers: Gladys Ekaru (KPC), Belinda Barasa (KCB), Lorine Kaei (Prisons), Lydia Emokol (KPC), Elizabeth Sokoiyo (KPC), Pauline Chemutai (KCB)
- Liberos: Celestine Nyongesa (KPC), Delphine Misoki (Prisons), Sharleen Maywa (KCB), Sharon Sandui (Prisons), Peninah Wafula (DCI)
- Opposite Players: Loice Simiyu (KPC), Pamela Adhiambo, Marlyn Tata (KCB), Deborah Jesang (KCB), Mercy Iminza (DCI)
- Outside Hitters: Mariam Musa (KPC), Daisy Leting (KPC), Veronicah Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira (KCB), Pauline Itoo (Prisons), Sarah Namisi (DCI), Meldina Sande (Police RWA), Valentine Chemutai (P.Bank)
Leading this new era, Head Coach Geoffrey Omondi will be supported by assistant coaches David Muthui and Esther Jepkosgei, with John Oronje as team manager and Sarah Karongo as the team’s physiotherapist.
Former head coach Paul Bitok will serve as the head of delegation. These key figures are tasked with molding this promising group into a cohesive and competitive unit.
With rigorous training camps scheduled to begin soon, the final roster will be confirmed closer to the August tournament date.
The Malkia Strikers carry the aspirations of a nation as they embark on this challenging but exciting journey to the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Thailand.
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