Among the notable inclusions in the final 14 are the return of setter Esther Mutinda
In anticipation of the upcoming CAVB Zone Five Africa Games qualifiers, the Malkia Strikers, led by Captain Mercy Moim, are set to welcome back seasoned Libero Elizabeth Wanyama to their roster. The team's head coach, Japheth Munala, and his coaching staff meticulously shaped the lineup, ultimately narrowing down the initial 16-player selection to a final 14-woman squad on Monday, January 22. This squad is poised for departure to Egypt, where the zonal games are scheduled to kick off on January 26.
Among the notable inclusions in the final 14 are the return of setter Esther Mutinda, absent from the African champions' lineup since the Nations Championship in Rwanda in 2021.Mutinda missed both the 2022 World Championships and last year's Nations Championship in Cameroon.
She will be partnering with Africa's top setter from the Cameroon competition, Emmaculate Nekesa, who was once her teammate at KCB.
The squad also sees the return of Libero Elizabeth Wanyama, joining forces with first-choice Libero Agrippina Kundu. Additionally, the opposite position welcomes Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) newcomer Mercy Iminza, making her debut with the senior team.
Regrettably, the final squad excludes outside hitter Pamela Jepkirui and Libero Lincy Jeruto. The team's composition for the qualifiers is as follows:
SETTERS:
- Esther Mutinda
- Emmaculate Nekesa
LIBEROS:
- Agrippina Kundu
- Elizabeth Wanyama
OPPOSITE PLAYERS:
- Mercy Iminza
- Loice Simiyu
MIDDLE BLOCKERS:
- Edith Mukuvilani
- Trizah Atuka
- Belinda Barasa
- Lorine Chebet
OUTSIDE HITTERS:
- Mercy Moim (Captain)
- Pamela Adhiambo
- Juliana Namutira
- Jemimah Siangu
COACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF:
- Head Coach: Japheth Munala
- 1st Assistant Coach: Josp Barasa
- 2nd Assistant Coach: Janet Wanja
- Physiotherapist: Sarah Karongo
- Team Manager: CPA John Ogara
- Technical Coordinator: Paul Bitok
- Head of Delegations: Charles Nyaberi
- Accompanying Referee: Millicent Wangare