Kenya trims U-20 men’s volleyball squad to 16 ahead of African Championship

Kenya’s U-20 men’s volleyball team has set its sights on making a mark at the 2025 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Cairo, with the Kenya Volleyball Federation unveiling the last 16 players as the technical bench sharpened its focus on building a competitive final squad.

Team manager, Wachira Gatuiria, said the expectations are clear, insisting that the players are motivated to deliver for the country. “We are happy with the progress the boys have shown and the commitment they continue to put in,” said Gatuiria. “The mood is very positive, and the players know what is at stake. They want to go to Egypt and make Kenya proud.”

After weeks of intensive training at Nyayo National Stadium under head coach Luke Makuto and his technical staff, the provisional squad of 22 has been trimmed to 16, with the final travelling 12 to be confirmed on Monday, September 8.

Gatuiria underlined the squad’s potential to rise to the challenge, saying, “We have senior players who are already exposed to the league system, and we also have talented youngsters coming from schools. That mix is important because it keeps the competition healthy and prepares us well for the future. Our target is to be competitive from the first serve and push for a strong finish.”

The squad includes Prisons Kenya’s Reagan Otieno and Kelvin Soita; KAPU’s Emmanuel Kiptoo, Dickson Kiplagat and Steven Barrack; Air Force’s Lewis Masibo and Chrispus Wekesa; GSU’s Asbel Kirwa, AP Kenya’s Abraham Kipkemboi, Cheptil Secondary’s Bernard Kipchumba, Bethwel Kiplagat and Justus Kibet; Namwela Secondary’s Wesley Kirui, Malava Secondary’s Felix Ogembo, Zetech University’s Justin Irungu and Trailblazers’ Edwin Kipchichir.

Makuto will be assisted by Gideon Njine, with Gatuiria handling team management duties.  Alfred Chedotum is serving as head of delegation, and Timothy Kimutai is working as a physiotherapist. The six players dropped from the provisional squad are Brashand Mokoit (KAPU), Samuel Njong’e (KKA),  Brian Kipruto (Cheptil), Newton Ochieng (Namwela), Emmanuel Ochieng (Butula) and Matiliku’s Jefitha Kinyua.

KVF recognised their potential and contribution during camp, stressing they remain part of Kenya’s future volleyball talent pool with continued support pledged for their development.  Looking ahead, Gatuiria said the final phase of training will be about precision and mentality. “We are working on service and reception, which are critical at this stage, but more importantly, we are building belief. The boys are focused, and with the right mindset, we can surprise many people in Cairo,” he explained.