Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, has undergone a dramatic overhaul ahead of the FIVB Women’s World Championship, set for September in Thailand.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi and his technical bench have retained only five players from the Paris 2024 Olympic squad: Veronica Adhiambo, Immaculate Nekesa, Juliana Namutiri, Loise Simiyu, and Pamela Adhiambo. The rest of the team features a bold infusion of youth, as the bench sets sights on long-term development towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
Notably absent are experienced Olympians including former captains Triza Atuka and Edith Wisa, as well as Sharon Chumba, Agripina Kundu, Leonida Kasaya, and Esther Mutinda.
Omondi has instead called up promising talent aged between 20 and 25, including Meldina Sande and Jemimah Siangu, who were dropped from the Paris squad, and Gladys Ekaru, who makes a return to the national fold.
“We are building a younger, more dynamic squad that can grow into a world-class team by 2028,” said Coach Omondi.
The team begins residential training camp on Monday, aiming to develop cohesion, sharpen tactical execution, and embed a new playing philosophy.
Full Squad
Setters:
- Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC)
- Fridah Boke (KCB)
- Marcleen Okoko (Prisons)
- Vivian Vuguzza (DCI)
- Valarie Chepkoech (KDF)
Middle Blockers:
- Gladys Ekaru (KPC)
- Belinda Barasa (KCB)
- Lorine Kaei (Prisons)
- Lydia Emokol (KPC)
- Elizabeth Sokoiyo (KPC)
- Pauline Chemutai (KCB)
Liberos:
- Celestine Nyongesa (KPC)
- Delphine Misoki (Prisons)
- Sharleen Maywa (KCB)
- Sharon Sandui (Prisons)
- Peninah Wafula (DCI)
Outside Hitters:
- Mariam Musa (KPC)
- Daisy Leting (KPC)
- Veronica Adhiambo
- Juliana Namutiri (KCB)
- Pauline Itoo (Prisons)
- Sarah Namisi (DCI)
- Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda)
- Valentine Chemutai (Post Bank)
Opposites:
- Loice Simiyu (KPC)
- Pamela Adhiambo (LP Viesti)
- Marlyn Tata (KCB)
- Deborah Jesang (KCB)
- Mercy Iminza (DCI)
