Paul Gitau, the national under-20 women’s volleyball coach has named a provisional squad of 20 players ahead of this month’s Africa Nations Championship to be staged at Mois Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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The 20 players will be in training for the continental championships which will also serve as a qualifier to the FIVB World Championship later in the year.
Majority of the players comes from various secondary schools across the country especially for those who competed at Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two Games in Eldoret and Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) in Musanze, Rwanda.
Gitau said he had to increase the number from the 16 to 20 to fill up positions just in-case some of them will not be able to turn up.
“I was to select 16 players as earlier communicated but we are all aware that some circumstances can force the selected players not to turn up in the training and therefore if you have many players at your disposal, then they can easily fill up the positions,” said Gitau.
He added: “The talent was amazing at the school games and I had a field day sampling them. I believe I settled on the best players who are willing and ready to learn.”
The tactician, who is attached to club Naks men’s volleyball team that features in the national league, was hopeful the young team will start training soon.
“I have requested the federation to arrange for their training so that we can get down to business. We are aware, the only available facility is Kasarani Stadium and there are many teams that are scheduled to use the it. We are waiting for the feedback from the federation before we can start our training,” observed Gitau.
Besides the women’s under-2o team, national men and Malkia Strikers ‘B’ are expected to use the facility in readiness for this Month’s East Africa Community Games in Burundi. Malkia Strikers ‘A’ are currently using the facility ahead of next month’s Word Championship in Japan.
Squad:
1. Abigael Wanjala (Bishop Sulumeti);
NYAKACH
2. Pamela Adhiambo,
3. Metrine Nasambu,
4. Esther Mbusiro
KWATHANZE
5. Esther Mutinda,
6. Betty Sifuna,
7. Gladys Ekaru,
8. Miriam Chelimo,
9. Lydia Iswan,
10. Immaculate Nekesa
11. Sharon Sandui
12. Esther Mwaka – (St. Johns )
13. Linet Awino (St Johns)
SOWETO
14. Mildred Cherop,
15. Maureen Chepkosgei,
16. Juliana Namutira
17. Diana Okonja
CHEPTIL
18. Caroline Jeruto,
19. Benedine Jepngetich
20. Sheilah Jepchirchir