Local flair powering Wafalme to Africa Games slot

Qatari-based skipper Enock Mogeni, Africa's best blocker Simeon 'Kosirai' Kipkorir, Abiud Chirchir and Peter Kamara were all expected to link up with Wafalme Stars. 

However, the team preparing for CAVB Zone 5 African Games Qualifiers set to serve off on 22 January in Egypt will only have Kenyan based players. 

Under the tutelage of Gideon Tarus, flanked by assistant coach Elisha Aliwa, and team trainer Denis Mokua, Wafalme Stars will go to battle under the captaincy of setter Brian Melly. 

The technical bench has reduced the team to 16 after six days of training at Nyayo Indoor gymnasium, dropping young talents Gregory Kiplimo and Eugene Okello from the initial 18-man squad.

"Training has been going on well. We have a squad of 16 now and are expected to trim the squad more as we look to getting to the travelling list," coach Tarus offered while steering clear of the no-pros conversation. 

The team, led by Melly, will now intensify preparations as they vie for the final 14-man slot, set to be announced next week before the squad departs for Egypt. 

The last time the Kenyan Men's Team participated in the African Games was in Maputo 2011, clinching bronze. 

Meanwhile, the team is training alongside Malkia Strikers who ate on the same qualification path ad they look to make it to the continental games and defend their title.

The Japeth Munala-led side will be without key player Sharon Chepchumba who led the team to the Africa Nations Championship title last year, reclaiming the continental bragging rights from Cameroon. 

Munala will, however, rely on other experienced players with Veronica Adhiambo expected to link up with the team before leaving for Egypt. The coach has also trimmed his squad to 16, dropping 3.

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Here is the complete squad:

SETTERS

1. Brian Melly – Captain

2. Kelvin Kipkosgei

LIBERO

1. James Mutero

2. Sam Juma

3. Hudson Kipchumba

OPPOSITE PLAYERS

1. Elphas Makuto

2. Joshua Kimaru

MIDDLE BLOCKERS

1. Wilson Cheruiyot

2. Shadrack Misiko

3. Brian Kamonde

4. Levis Ogutu

OUTSIDE HITTERS

1. Denis Omollo

2. Sila Kipruto

3. Naftali Chumba

4. Denis Esokon

5. Nicholas Matui