Malkia Strikers are brimming with confidence ahead of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix play-offs slated for Saturday in Canberra, Australia.
Kenya’s Jane Wacu celebrates a point against Mexico in the Grand Prix match at Mexico City on June 27. Kenya won the match 3-2. PHOTO: FIVB
Kenya qualified for their maiden finals in a world event after amassing 10 points from the two qualification rounds in Mexico and Algeria where they registered four wins against both hosts (Mexico-2 and Algeria) and Australia.
The victories saw the nine time African champions, who were in Group Three, tie on points (10) with fourth placed Cub,a but Malkia are ranked third by virtue of having won more matches than Cuba.
They are behind Group winners Peru and Colombia in their second attempt.
After an over 36-hour flight, the team which left Algeria on Tuesday is expected to land in Australia today ahead of Saturday’s semi-final clash against the hosts while Colombia play Peru in the other duel.
“It’s a long journey but we are determined to prove a point and make our fans proud.
The bounce back in the second round was impressive and everybody is eager to continue from where we left off in Algiers. The team is in high spirits,” said setter Jane Wacu.
Asked how challenging it was for her following Janet Wanja’s illness, the Chamalières player said: “It was not that easy, but I had to give my best as there was nobody to share the role with.
But I am happy Wanja has recovered and I am looking forward to see her do her magic again in Australia.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Volleyball Men’s head coach Geoffrey Omondi has named a 16-man provisional squad for the African Cup Nations Championships to be held in July 20-31 in Cairo, Egypt.
Qatar-based captain Phillip Maiyo and Kenya Ports Authority star James Ontere have been recalled to the team replacing right attacker Sila Kipruto and centre Rodgers Kipkirui who are undergoing training at the Prisons Staff Training College, in Ruiru.
“We have reported to training today (Wednesday), but we expect to have a full house by today. This is a strong squad and I am confident we will do well in Cairo,” said Omondi.
Prisons have been highly represented with Daniel Kiptoo, Hudson Wanyama, Dennis Mokua, Michael Chemos and Peter Kibata making the squad
Others are Faustin Barasa, Ronald Bitok, David Kirwa, Wesley Rono, Alex Kariuki, Michael Njoroge, Elisha Aliwa, Gideon Tarus and Peterson Kimani.
Elsewhere, the 2015 edition of the Savlon Nairobi branch volleyball tournament will be launched today at Panari Hotel, Mombasa Road.
According to the tournament co-ordinator Martin Kimondo, they are expecting over 38 teams to participate in the fourth edition of the competition.
The finals of the tournament that serves off this Saturday at the University of Nairobi will be held on August 2 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.
By Rodgers Eshitemi, The Standard