League experience key for Junior Wafalme as Africa tourney preparations continue

Junior Wafalme Stars head coach Luke Makuto has named his final squad of 16 for the African Nations Volleyball Championship as preparations catch speed ahead of the competition scheduled for Thursday, 11 to Sunday, 21 September in Cairo, Egypt.

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A provisional squad of 22 has been in camp at Nyayo before being trimmed to 16 for the final week of preparations. The final squad of 12 athletes who will travel to Cairo will be confirmed on Monday, 8 September.

Head coach Makuto will rely heavily on the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league players led by Prisons Kenya duo of Reagan Otieno and Kelvin Soita, who have done well to step into the shoes of former league MVP Dennis Esokon and Elphas Makuto at the club level after the latter left for greener pastures.

Joining the seasoned duo from league sides are Kenya Airport Police Unit’s (KAPU) Emmanuel Kiptoo, Steven Barrack, and Dickson Kiplagat, Air Forces’ Lewis Masibo and Chrispus Wekesa, as well as Asbel Kirwa, who won the double with General Service Unit (GSU) and Abraham Kipkemboi from AP Kenya.

The tactician also has three standout players from the recently-crowned FEASSA School Games champions, Cheptil Secondary, led by Bernard Kipchumba, Bethwel Kiplagat, and Justus Kibet.

Also, up for selection is Felix Ogembo, the star player from Malava Secondary, who lost in the final, settling for silver.

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Team Manager Wachira Gatuiria expressed confidence in the players, confirming that the team remains in high spirits and motivated to make the country proud.

16-man squad in camp

1. Reagan Otieno – Prisons Kenya

2. Kelvin Soita – Prisons Kenya

3. Emmanuel Kiptoo – KAPU

4. Dickson Kiplagat – KAPU

5. Lewis Masibo – Air Force

6. Chrispus Wekesa – Air Force

7. Asbel Kirwa – GSU

8. Abraham Kipkemboi – AP Kenya

9. Bernard Kipchumba – Cheptil Secondary School

10. Bethwel Kiplagat – Cheptil Secondary

11. Justus Kibet – Cheptil Secondary School

12. Wesley Kirui – Namwela Secondary School

13. Felix Ogembo – Malava Secondary School

14. Justin Irungu – Zetech University

15. Edwin Kipchichir – Trailblazers

16. Steven Barrack – KAPU

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