Paris 2024: Wanja tips young Malkia Strikers squad to change Kenya's narrative

Celebrated Kenyan setter Janet Wanja is no stranger to success in the world of volleyball, having played it at the highest level. 

Wanja has since joined the national women's team, Malkia Strikers, as a trainer and will be with the Japheth Munala-coached side in Paris for the Olympic Games. 

Her invaluable experience is bringing a fresh perspective and insights to the team's training regimen in addition to guiding the side with valuable on-court advice, especially for the setters, having played at the top. 

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With that, the trainer is confident the squad heading to Paris for the country’s fourth Olympics appearance in the sport, following 2000, 2004 and 2021 exploits, will be competitive. 

"We have seven debutants. Some are very young but their talent cannot be denied. Some have been on the international stage before and that gave them some experience which will come in handy at the Games.

From the preparations, I believe we have a squad that can make history for Kenya," Wanja told Mozzart Sport ahead of the squad's departure for the Philippines where they featured in the FIVB Challenger Cup. 

Last year, Kenya reclaimed the African Nations Championship from Cameroon and is now the top ranked nation in the continent. 

However, Malkia Strikers are yet to dazzle on the world stage, having gone winless at the Summer Games. Victory of any kind in Paris would be historic and probably a start to a new narrative in the sport. 

"In terms of fitness I believe all players will be at their best in Paris," Wanja added, arguing that recent past competitions point to a good outing for the side. 

Wanja's experience internationally includes a pivotal role in a historic victory at the FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 in Australia in 2015.

Her remarkable journey includes representing Kenya at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Wanja's club career saw her play for KCB from 2004 to 2005 before she made a move to Pipeline, where she continued to showcase her talent until 2019.

She secured five Africa Nations Championships, three All-African Games titles, and the World Grand Prix title. 

Additionally, she made five appearances at the World Championships, all experiences she is using to propel the players to greater heights, both physically and mentally, ahead of the Games.