AMOS ABUGA
National women volleyball team Malkia Strikers move to camp on Monday ahead of competing at the Africa Zone Five All African Games Qualifiers slated for May 18-24 in Kampala, Uganda.
Head coach Japheth Munala is upbeat mixing upcoming players with the seasoned ones in his initial provisional squad of 20 the qualifiers.
He says the national team has all to play for since they are the defending champions after edging Cameroon by 3-1 sets during the 2015 All Africa Games held in DRC Congo.
“ The message is very clear, the national team is open for all. For me it will be crucial to access each player and see what they offer. We shall be reporting to the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Monday and the final 14-member squad will be announced on May 15 before departing for Uganda on May 16,” said the veteran tactician.
Upcoming setter Easter Mutinda is one player who has received the news with excitement having been handed a debut.
“Getting a call-up to play for your national team is an amazing thing. I want to give my all to hopefully make it to the final team of 14,” said the former Kwanthanze Secondary School student.
Mutinda and another former schoolmate Gladys Ekaru middle-blocker) who has also received a maiden call-up have attributed their recent growth in the game to helping the Oilers win bronze during the 2019 Africa Club championships in Egypt.
“Just last year we were playing volleyball in the schools, we shall continue to work hard so that our star continues to rise,” added Mutinda who wants to follow in the footsteps of another former Kwanthanze student, Sharon Chepchumba who was feted as the best attacker at this year’s CAVB Women’s Volleyball Championship.
