KDF volleyballers shift base to Nairobi ahead of championship

Kenya Defence Forces women’s volleyball team has shifted training camp to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as it steps up preparations for World Military Games.

Before shifting base to Nairobi, the team had trained for a week at KPA Hall Makande in Mombasa.

Coach Elisha Aliwa who is expected to name his final team tomorrow yesterday said the week-long training session in Mombasa has helped players work as unit. Aliwa said he has identified players who will carry  Kenya’s flag for the games set for Canada  starting next week.

“We had a very good training sessions in Mombasa, far away for distractions and I should be able to identify exactly who is ready  for the big battle. I should name a team  on Thursday,” Aliwa, who played for Ulinzi  Volleyball team in the women’s league, said on Tuesday.

According to Aliwa, the team’s stay in Mombasa was a perfect opportunity to work on the players’ fitness levels, coordination and skill which will be useful at the World Championship where Kenya will be making a maiden appearance.

The team spent the better of Tuesday receiving training kits and are expected to resume training at the Kasarani Indoor Courts this morning before naming the final team on Thursday.

“We needed to train indoors together at Mombasa since we have our military camp there and Makande Hall was available,” Aliwa said.

The team has a mix of youth and experience and features former international volleyball stars Edna Rotich, Jackline Barasa  and Kenya Handball international star Alexina Ambani.

Alexina is younger sister of former AFC Leopards players Fred and Bonface Ambani.

The youthful players in the team include Sheen  Chepkosgei , Maureen Agwala, Jackline Cherono and Damaris Kamaina.

Other players in the team are Monica Chepkorir, Teresa Maingi, Josephine Rotich, Gladys Etale, Ednah Chemeli, Damaris, Hellen Kwanthai, Sabina Wangui, Jane Chepkoech, Lilian Akinyi, Jessica Chepkoech and Vivian Cheruto.