Wavinya named libero as Malkia Strikers' final 14 is released

National women's volleyball side, Malkia Strikers' final team that will represent the country at this year's FIVB Women’s World Championships set for Netherlands and Poland has been named. 

The team has been named after two months of high-perfomance training in Brazil in an FIVB-sponsored camp, and a few days before leaving for international friendly matches in Belgrade- Serbia.

"Coaches are convinced that selection of the 14 was done based on merit and alot of other consideration which included personal skills,position competition, statistics from both training sessions,friendly matches and the team player," offered coach Paul Bitok in a statement. 

One notable change is the naming of left player Yvonne Wavinya as the second-choice libero, assisting the experienced Kenya Pipeline's Agripina Kundu. 

"Wavinya has improved immensely and the technical bench has elected to name her as the second libero where she will assist Kundu. Reception has been an area of weakness for the team and she will be crucial in that department. 

Although she is the left player, coaches saw it fit to use her experience both in beach volleyball and indoor to help in our reception," explained Bitok. 

The technical group led by Luizomar de Moura who travels as the head coach is said to be happy with the team's performance and have exuded confidence in the named team. 

"We are in the last part of preparations. By the end of our friendly matches in Serbia, the team will be ready to beat some teams in the championship. We are targeting to proceed to the second round and we are hoping to beat two teams to make history," Bitok added. 

Malkia Strikers leave Brazil on Wednesday for Serbia where they are scheduled to play the two matches before jetting out on 20 September to Netherlands for the world championship.

Kenya is lined-up to open the competition with the host Netherlands during the opening ceremony. 

 "We would like to thank all the players for giving their all despite the challengs in the last two months that have been tough. For the dropped players,you are still young and we brought you here in Brazil to start your journey in volleyball and you have shown you have a big potential to become great players in future. Please as you return home do continue with training and be optimistic you will make it next time," Bitok's statement concluded  

Final team 

LEFT 

1.Mercy Moim 

2. Noel Murambi 

3. Meldinah Sande 

4. Veronica Adhiambo 

MIDDLE BLOCKERS 

1. Edith Mukuvilani 

2. Gladies Ekaru 

3. Lorine Chebet 

4. Belinda Barasa 

SETTERS

1. Emmaculate Nekesa

2. Veronica Kilabat

OPPOSITE ATTACKERS

 1. Sharon Chumba

 2. Everline Makuto 

LIBERO

1. Agripina Kundu 

2. Yvonne Wavinya 

DROPPED PLAYERS

1. Veronica Makokha 

2. Magdalene Mwende.