Under 18 boys and under 20 women’s volleyball teams’ technical bench is optimistic of fielding competitive sides in the upcoming World Championship qualifiers, in Sfax, Tunisia.
The qualifiers are scheduled for August 21-31.
The boys’ team which is under the stewardship of former Kenyan international Sila Makiso, while the women’s team is under the guidance of Kwanthanze Secondary School coach Justine Kigwari, have been training at the Nyayo National Stadium in readiness for the 10-day championship.
Makiso said that they are using the remaining two days prior to teams travel to the host city to come up with a formidable squad.
“The training is going on well and we are optimistic of a good outing. The few days that are at our disposal we just want to use them to select a competitive side that will represent the country well and hopefully post good performance,” said Makiso.
U-20 women’s team assistant coach and FIVB Instructor Catherine Mabwi who is holding brief for head coach Kigwari who is away in Uganda with his team Kwanthanze in the ongoing East Africa School Games, said they are putting in the final touches.
“The team is good and the players are eager to learn. We have been training for the past three days and it is good. The best thing about it, is that most of these players have been competitive in school games. Now it’s just about gelling and tightening the loose ends. We are optimistic of fielding a strong and competitive side in the event,” said Mabwi who doubles up as the Mpesa Foundation Academy coach.
Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy Secretary General John Ogara, said that the country has been in the cold for six years without fielding a team in the underage competitions adding that this is a golden opportunity for the country to showcase their talents at the international stage.
” Kenya, last participated in the age group competition in 2018, during the U-20 women’s championship in Nairobi, therefore, we thank the federation and the Ministry of Sports for the efforts to ensure the country competes in this events. The training is going on well and we hope that the teams will represent the country well and post good results.” Said Ogara.
Provisional squads
Boys U-18
Denis Kipkemei Bitok (Sang’alo), Cornel Kipkemboi (Mutwot),Jones Kimutai ( MPESA Foundation Academy),Stephen Barack (Namwela ),Morgan Kibet( Sang’alo),Dominic Kimutai(Malava),Felix Ogembo( Malava),Denis Kibet (Cheptais High ),Derick Kipchumba(Sang’alo),Godwin Kiptoo( Lelmokwo),Nicholas Kiprop(Mutwot),Emmanuel Ochieng( Butula),Elphas Kirwa (Iten),Weldon Kibiwot( Lelmokwo),Ochieng’ Newton( Nyabondo ),Alex Mumo ,(Matiliku),Roy Mukabwa(Sawagongo),Collins Rono ( Mutwot)
Head Coach – Sila Makiso
Assistant Coaches -Geoffrey Omondi and Gideon Njine
Trainer – Amos Muresh
U-20 Provisional Squad
Isabela Nafula (Mwitoti), Sheila Wabwire (Captain KCB) Women’s Volleyball Team),Ivine Chemuati (Kwanthanze),Sarah Wanjala( Nyakongo),Salome Ekai ( Mpesa Foundation Academy ),Serena Busolo (Sulumeti ),Ashley Munyes (Kosirai),Eddah Jepkemei (Kosirai),Marion Jepchirchir( Kaboson)
,Abiagel Amoria( Kwanthanze),Sheila Koros (Kwanthanze),Sikutwa Nasike (Kenya Pipleline),Mary Nanjala( Butere ),Juma Nanjala ( Mwitoti ),Benta Akoth ( Aluor Girls),Flevian Simiyu (Sulumeti ),Purity Jepkurgat ( Kaboson),Sharon Jepkogei (Kaboson),Ann Akiru (Kwanthanze),Shamila Cheptoo( Cheptalal)
Head Coach -Justine. Kigwari
Assistant Coach -Cathrine.Mabwi
Trainer David. Muthui