This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
Kenya's Young Volleyball Talent to Face Africa Qualifiers ¶
Kenya national women's volleyball team coach Paul Bitok is optimistic about the team's chances at the Africa qualifiers in Cameroon, which will determine the continent's representative at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The tournament, scheduled for January 5-9 in Yaounde, will feature Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Botswana, and Cameroon competing for the sole Olympic ticket reserved for Africa.
Bitok has named a 14-player squad, including youngsters Gladys Ekaru and Jemimah Siang'u, who will make her national team debut during the qualifiers.
Siang'u will replace middle blocker Triza Atuka, who has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Ekaru is expected to fill the shoes of Atuka, and Bitok is confident in her abilities, saying, "Siang'u is one of the best receivers in the country and she is one for the future. We have to introduce her to this level early so she can gain confidence through playing against teams like Botswana and Nigeria."
Another player returning to the national team after a four-year absence is Kenya Prisons middle blocker Joan Chelagat. Bitok believes her experience will be invaluable in situations where pressure is too high for the young players.
Sharon Chepchumba, who has been a revelation last year, has been named among the opposites despite recovering from an ankle injury. She will contest for a starting place with left-handed Emmaculate Chemtai.
The team is set to jet out on Friday for the five-nation tournament, with Kenya beginning their campaign on Sunday against Egypt.
Kenya's Squad for the Africa Qualifiers ¶
- Setters: Jane Wacu, Joy Lusenaka
- Middle blockers: Edith Wisa, Gladys Ekaru, Joan Chelagat, Violet Makuto
- Outside hitters: Mercy Moim, Jemimah Siang'u, Leonida Kasaya, Noel Murambi
- Opposites: Emmaculate Chemtai, Sharon Chepchumba
- Liberos: Elizabeth Wanyama, Aggripina Kundu
Technical Bench ¶
- Team Manager: David Kilundo
- Head coach: Paul Bitok
- Assistant coaches: Japheth Munala, Josp Barasa
- Physiotherapist: Sarah Karongo
- Statistician: Shota Katagiri
