Veterans Violet Makuto and Elizabeth Wanyama have been dropped from the Malkia Strikers that will represent the country in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Head Coach Paul Bitok while releasing the squad praised the players who made the cut and urged them to maintain their positions through hard work before the next training phase in Kurume city, Japan. This comes with the FIVB setting a deadline of July 5th for a final submission of the 12 member team.
Bitok with regards to his decision of dropping Wanyama and Makuto said that it was a difficult selection but it had to be done through the help of Brazilian coaches who collected training data and statistics daily. The two players are a regular pick for the squad but unfortunately, only 12 member squads are suitable for Olympic standards. Other notable inclusions to the squad are; the much experienced Jane Wacu and the young promising Sharon Chepchumba.
Malkia strikers will be in Pool A once the Olympics begin and will be facing off against Serbia, China, Dominican Republic, Turkey and hosts Japan.
Below are the squad members:
Left attackers:
- Mercy Moim
- Noel Murambi
- Pamela Jepkirui
- Leanida Kasaya
Middle Blockers:
- Edith Mukuvilani
- Loraine Chebet
- Gladys Ekaru
Opposite:
- Sharon Chepchumba
- Emmaculate Chemtai
Setters :
- Jane Wacu
- Joy Lusenaka
Libero:
- Agripna Kundu