Malkia Strikers' coach Geoffrey Omondi speaks after naming the team to the World Championships in Thailand/ HANDOUT
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Kenya Prisons' setter Marcleen Akoko was the only casualty as Malkia Strikers' 14-member squad departed for the FIVB 2025 World Championship set for August 22 to September 7 in Thailand.
Kenya is in Group “G” together with Poland, Germany and Vietnam.
The Geoffrey Omondi-coached side was trimmed to 14 players from 17, with two on standby ahead of friendly
matches against Vietnam and Spain. The two reserves— outside hitter Sarah Namisi and Kenya Pipeline's middle blocker Marriane Sokoiyo are expected back in the country after the friendlies as the team heads to Thailand on
August 20 for the championships.
The final team has Captain Melidna Sande, Veronicah Adhiambo,
Juliana Namutira, Daisy Leting and Juliana Namutira (left attackers and assistant captain Gladys Ekari, Belinda Barasa and Lorraine Chebet (middle blockers)
Others are Celestine Nyongesa, Sharleen Maywa (liberos); Emmaculate Nekesa, Fridah Boke (setters);
Marlyne Terry, Pamela Adhiambo and Mercy Iminza (opposite hitters) and Emmaculate Nekesa, Fridah Boke (setters).
Terry’s
role in the recent U-20 Africa Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon, shone throughout the
tournament with powerful offence and consistency, earning her the Most Valuable
Player (MVP) honours for her exceptional performances.
Particularly
instrumental in the final, her play helped Kenya edge out
hosts Cameroon 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 28-26, 25-16) to clinch their
first-ever U-20 African Championship
She also delivered
key contributions in earlier matches, including a straight-sets win over
Egypt in the semifinals (25-19, 25-19, 25-23)—demonstrating her
tactical versatility and fighting spirit. She overcame an ankle injury to lead the team and steered them to
their historic first continental crown.
Her
MVP-worthy performances, including a seismic third-set comeback in the
final and a dominant sweep past Egypt in the semis, underscored her as a
rising star unafraid of big moments.
“It’s
a dream come true to be in this squad. Joining the team for these
friendlies and the World Championship means a lot because it’s an
opportunity to prove myself at the highest level. I want to give my best
and make my country proud,” she said.
Sharon Sandui missed
out on the selection due to injury.
Team Manager John Oronje said the friendlies have been structured to sharpen combinations before the global stage.
“We plan to give the players exposure against competitive sides in
Vietnam before heading to Thailand. This is crucial in building
confidence and ironing out technical details ahead of the World
Championship,” he explained. Oronje added that the team will prioritise tactical discipline, especially because they are a new team.
“We
want to enhance backcourt defence and improve transition play from
reception to attack. These are areas that make the difference at the
world level, and our training will mirror the intensity of top-tier
opponents,” he said.
Coach Omondi echoed the manager’s sentiments, stressing the need for adaptability.
“We
are going to test different systems and player rotations during the
friendlies. The goal is to fine-tune our reception, blocking systems,
and service pressure because every point
matters at the world stage,” said Omondi.
He
reaffirmed their target, saying, “We are not going to Thailand just to
participate. We want to compete, challenge big teams, and show that
Kenya belongs among the best.”
Present during the naming of the team was the Malkia Strikers' sponsor, Mozart Bet Marketing Manager Frank Ochieng.
Team Officials in the squad are Assistant Coach David Muthui and Esther Jepkosgei, trainer Mavisi Azenga, Head of Delegation - Paul Bitok, Chaperone-Neddy Nelimo and Physiotherapist - Sarah Karongo
