Paul Bitok, Malkia strikers’ head coach has made a few changes to the squad set to participate in the continental volleyball bonanza which begins on Friday, September 10 to September 20.
Three players introduced to the team are Kenya Pipeline duo of middle blocker Yvonne Sinaida and setter Esther Mutinda, as well as Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) left attacker Veronica Adhiambo.
Bitok, however, retained the majority of the players that featured at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Mutinda replaced flamboyant Jane Wacu, who is out on medical grounds, while diminutive Adhiambo came in for injured Noel Murambi.Sinaida will join up with regular Edith Wisa, Loraine Chebet and Gladys Ekaru in the middle department.
DCI coach Daniel Bor welcomed the inclusion of Adhiambo in the team saying: ”She is a committed player, and I was not shocked to see her name in the final list. She is one of the players to look out for in the future assignments.”
Coach Bitok, while releasing the 14-member squad after yesterday’s afternoon training sessions at the Moi International Sports Centre indoor Arena in Nairobi on Wednesday, said that he was building a new generation of players.
“I would like to congratulate the new players for making it to the team as we start another journey together. It might be a tough transitioning time for us, but with consistency in training and determination, Kenya will always remain champions,” said Bitok
The rest of the squad includes Mercy Moim, Leonida Kasaya, Veronica Adhiambo, Pamela Masaisai as the outside hitters, Sharon Chepchumba, Emmaculate Chemtai forming the opposite and Joy Lusenaka, Esther Mutinda as the setters.
Kenya is scheduled to depart for Kigali tomorrow. The top two nations will book tickets to the next year’s World Championship in Poland the and Netherlands.