Ogara confident of provisional squad for East Africa Games assignment

Kenya Volleyball team manager John Ogara has expressed confidence in the provisional squad's ability ahead of the East African Community Games slated for December 12-22.

The 20-squad men and women teams were named by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi following the conclusion of the Heroes National Tournament held at the Koitaleel University College in Mosoriot, Nandi County from November 2-5.

The team will be whittled down to 15 each ahead of the journey.

The team manager credited the coaches and assistant coaches for doing all the selection.

"As the Kenya Volleyball Federation, we believe in delegation based on abilities. We started by identifying the technical benches: head coach and their assistants, then we tasked them with identifying the team. The national office did not have any hand, it was done by our technical bench," he said.

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Ogara further noted that the team will head to the camp on November 14 and was confident that within two weeks, they will have gained valuable skills.

"The training camp will be in two phases; the non-residential phase and then the final residential phase. We believe with the kind of technical bench and talent that we have, within those two weeks, we will sharpen our skills to ensure we remain at the top as usual," he pointed out.

President Nyaberi was also confident of the squad, noting it was a blend of youth and experience.

"We are looking at the future. We have blended the team, and we are giving debutants a chance to grow and meet the standards. The team will stay together for eight months, gel, and produce the best.

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"The East African games are not very competitive. The team will move on to the All Africa Games qualifiers, then proceed to the All Africa Games, Olympic games, before heading to the World Championship qualifiers," he added.

Malkia Strikers.

Left: Mercy Moim, Juliana Namutira, Pamela Adhiambo, Leonida Kasaya, Jemimah Siangu, Sarah Namisi, Pamela Marsasai

Middle blockers: Edith Wisah, Belinda Barasa, Trizah Atuka, Lorine Chebet

Right/opposite: Mercy Iminza, Loice Simiyu, Pauline Ito

Setters: Esther Mutinda, Immaculate Nekesa, Joy Luseneka

Libero: Agripina Kundu, Elizabeth Wafula, Linzy Jeruto

Men's team

Left - Dennis Omollo, Dennis Esoron, Naftally Ihimba, Elvis Kimtai, Nicholas Matui, Sila Kipruto, Moses Macharia.

Middle blockers - Brian Kamonde, Shadrack Misiko, Timothy Kipruto, Wilson Cheruiyot, Eugene Okello

Setters - Kelvin Kipkosgei, Brian Melly, Gregory Kiplimo

Libero - Sam Juma, Hudson Kipchumba, James Mutero

Opposite - Elphas Makoto, Joshua Kimaru