Wacu

Born March 24, 1985 in Nyeri, she has grown to be a local celebrity as well as a strong pillar in the Kenyan women volleyball team, but few know that Jane Wacu, a Corporal in the Kenya Prisons, was a decent runner and a polished footballer. Buzz found out this and more.

You have won several accolades in various volleyball championships, which stands out and why?

Wacu: Yes, I’ve won quite a number of awards, and to be honest, I’ve lost count. But the latest “Best Setter” that I won during last month’s continental championship will always be in my mind. My fans were there to witness that glorious moment in my life.

Other than play volleyball, what else do you do?

Wacu: I’m a Corporal in the Kenya Prisons. This is a rank I was elevated to, during last month’s Africa Club volleyball championships at Kasarani. With the promotion, I became the second Prisons player after Captain Brackcedes Khadambi to have a rank.

How do you keep fit?

Depending with the coach, we train from Monday to Friday and when we are preparing for a tournament, we do from Monday to Saturday. Our coach, David Lung’aho emphasises on being swift during matches and this has really helped me and my fellow players keep fit. We also do gym work for about 30 minutes as extra work for our preparations.

When it comes to diet, how strict are you? What can you and can’t you eat or drink?

I can eat anything and so long as it won’t interfere with my weight, I’m good with it. But I tend to avoid oily foods as much as possible. I chose foods that will be digested easily, like rice and spaghetti. But if I happen to eat a packet of chips, I must put extra work in my training and burn the fats.

Women are very self-conscious, do you get bothered when wearing those tight uniforms?

I like it that way. It helps in our play since there are few net fouls unlike before when a player’s jersey could have easily touched the net. In fact, we dress quite well, compared to our European counterparts; I think they are worse.

When you look in the mirror or see yourself in the papers, what do you think?

I just see the normal Wacu. It feels good to be noticed you know and through that, one can’t get hurt since most people know you.

What do you do for fun?

Well, I go for parties, play football. By the way, did you know that I liked playing football much more than volleyball?

Tell me about it?

Really. I used to play as a last man while in primary and secondary school. It was while in Tetu High School that I got some interest in volleyball and decided, why not, let me try it out and I’ve never regretted ever since.

What are your dreams and ambitions?