This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Kenya's Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok has expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well in the upcoming African Olympic qualifiers, despite the absence of reliable setter Janet Wanja.
Wanja, a long-serving member of the team, pulled out of the squad on Monday citing personal commitments. Bitok has urged other setters to step up and fill the void during the January 2-6 event in Cameroon.
He will rely on Jane Wacu, Esther Mutinda, and Joy Luseneka to lead the team in Wanja's absence. The team will also miss the services of injured players Triza Atuka, Lorine Chebet, and Pamela Masaisai.
Bitok has called on the Kenya Volleyball Federation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and National Olympic Committee of Kenya, to facilitate international friendly matches before the competition.
He warned that it could be difficult to match the well-prepared rivals if no build-ups are organized for his side. The provisional fixtures have been released, with Kenya scheduled to begin the hunt for the sole ticket reserved for Africa against Botswana on January 4.
