Wavinya ready for new responsibilities in Malkia Strikers

Kenya Prisons left attacker who has since been named as Malkia Strikers libero, Yvonne Wavinya, says she received the technical bench's decision with alot of positivity and she is ready to give her all for the country. 

The women's national volleyball team left Belgrade, Serbia where they held their final training camp, on Tuesday 20 September, for Netherlands where the FIVB Women’s World Championships is set to serve off on Friday 23 September. 

A change in rules governing liberos made it possible for the Malkia Strikers bench to prefer Wavinya over the Veronica Makokha who was in camp in Brazil and was set to deputise Agripina Kundu in that position. 

Bošković open up on world championship plans, playing Malkia Strikers and more

"I took the decision from the bench with alot of positivity and I am ready to fight for the team and country. My experience in beach volleyball comes in handy in my new role. It is all about reception so I am good to go," Wavinya offered. 

Malkia Strikers are looking to get at least a second win at the World Championships since their historic triumph against Kazakhstan during the 2018 edition held in Japan. The side has set their targets on reaching the second round of the competition from the group stage. 

The Kenyans are pitted against African champions Cameroon, hosts Netherlands, European champions Italy, Puerto Rico and Belgium in the pool stage. 

"Our preparations in Brazil were good and we got the much-needed exposure with the ten friendly matches. Being in training for two months without interruptions and with the best training facilities I have seen was good for the team ahead of such an important championship. Our week-long camp in Belgrade, Serbia also added to our exposure. We needed these two matches to rate our progress and build our confidence as we head to Netherlands for the competition," Wavinya explained asked about the team's preparations ahead of her first senior cap. 

Perfect sign-off for Malkia ahead of world championship battle

She continued, "Playing against Netherlands, on their own turf in our opening match will be not be easy but we are ready for the challenge. We have to give a composed performance and stick to our game plan as this will help us set the tone for the rest of the competition." 

Assistant coach Paul Bitok, while explaining the decision to change Wavinya's position revealed that the FIVB have a bee rule that allows teams to change their liberos for each match and that gives Kenya the chance to have the versatile Wavinya entered on the match-day sheets as a libero or left attacker depending on what the bench feels is needed for a particular match.

"Wavinya has improved immensely and the technical bench has elected toname 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.