Four players have been dropped from the Malkia Strikers team that will be travelling to Brazil this weekend for training ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
Caroline Sirengo, Joan Chelagat, Jemimah Siangu and Josephine Wafula have been dropped from the team that has been camping at the Kasarani bubble camp for the last two weeks.
In a list released on Wednesday morning by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), 16 players will proceed to Brazil for the next phase of training with the squad expected to be trimmed to 12 later on.
Seasoned players like Mercy Moim, Jane Wacu and Violet Makuto have made the cut. Agripina Kundu is also in the squad.
The KVF has said that the selection of the squad was done by the coaches who have been handling the team for the last two weeks.
“ Out of the 20 players, we have settled on 16 players for this next phase. After the Brazil training, in line with FIVB and Olympics regulation we shall further select 12 finalists to represent the country in the 2021 Olympics not usual 14 players,” KVF said in a statement.
“The process of team selection is normally very difficult for coaches, thus we ensure a holistic approach in the selection since all players in the training camp are always very skilled and talented especially with the young players challenging seniors.”
Malkia Strikers are expected to tour Brazil and Turkey ahead in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July. The 16 selected players will be in Brazil for a month starting May1-30 then head to Turkey for two weeks before the final squad for the summer games is named.
Players selected for the Brazil Camp
Middle Blockers: Edith Mukuvilani, Violet Makuto, Gladys Ekaru, Lorine Chebet
Libero: Elizabeth Nafula, Agripina Kundu
Setters: Jane Wacu, Joy Lusenaka, Immaculate Wafula
Left Attackers: Mercy Moim, Noel Murambi, Leonida Kasaya, Pamela Jepkurui
Opposite Players: Sharon Chepchumba, Emmaculate Chemtai, Pamela Adhiambo