Kenya 'won't be in Japan to make up numbers'

Kenya coach Japheth Munala and team captain Mercy Moim are confident of posting impressive returns despite the daunting task awaiting the team at the women’s World Volleyball Championship next month.

Kenya and Cameroon will represent Africa at the 23-nation tournament in Japan between September 29 and October 20.

Munala, who has won four back-to-back local league titles at Kenya Pipeline, has opted to commence early preparations in readiness for the assignment.

Following a six-week long training camp at the Kasarani gymnasium, Munala on Tuesday picked his squad of 14 players who will to do duty at the international competition.

The team is expected to proceed to Hitachi, Japan on September 18 for a two-week training camp as part of the preparations. The preps include competing in a couple of friendly matches against local sides.

“The confidence within this squad stems from our preparations and recent performances on the international stage which have been encouraging,” said Munala, who is, however, yet to win a major title with the national team.

“All I can say is that we will go there and try our best,” added Moim.

Munala’s squad comprises a cocktail of experienced and youthful players, with some big-name players namely Brackides Agala, Lydia Maiyo and Everlyne Makuto missing out for various reasons.

There is however space for veteran setters Janet Wanja and Jane Wacu - who is based in Seychelles.

Edith Wisa, Triza Atuka, Noel Murambi and the left handed Violet Makuto have also made the cut, and are in line to feature prominently against the best teams in the world at the Championship.

“This is the most successful team in Kenya and I expect the ladies to continue with the winning streak. The players are motivated enough knowing they stand a chance to impress international scouts,” Kenya Volleyball Federation president Waithaka Kioni noted.

Despite dominating in the continental front and even winning a record 12-titles in Africa, the National Oil-sponsored Malkia Strikers have always struggled during international assignments.

That FIVB Group 3 Grand Prix victory in Australia back in 2015 remains the only victory of note for the team outside Africa.

The team, then coached by David Lung’aho, finished second from bottom at the 12-team FIVB World Cup the last time it toured Japan.

Kenya is pooled in Group ‘D’ alongside world champions Brazil, Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Puerto Rico and Serbia in the tournament which will be hosted in the cities of Yokohama, Sapporo, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka and Hamamatsu.

Kioni also confirmed that Kenya will send a team to compete at the East African community games in Burundi.

Squad:

Setters: Jane Wacu, Janet Wanja

Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Noel Lurambi, Sharon Chepchumba, Leonida Kasaya

Middle blockers: Edith Wisa, Lorine Chebet, Trizah Atuka, Christine Siwa

Right attackers: Emmaculate Chemtai, Violet Makuto

Libero: Elizabeth Wanyama, Agrippina Kundu

Technical bench: Japheth Munala (coach), Josp Baraza (assistant coach), Josephine Wanza Mwengei (team doctor), David Lung’aho (technical director), David Kilundo (team manager)