KCB's Esther Mutinda in training/HANDOUTExperienced Esther Mutinda and Anne Lowem are back in the national team, Malkia Strikers, as coach Geoffrey Omondi named a provisional team of 24 ahead of the Africa Women’s Championships in Nairobi in August.
The Kenya Volleyball Federation unveiled the team on Sunday at the Nyayo Stadium as they plot to start early preparation for a home continental contest.
The return of Mutinda and Lowem is being hailed as a timely boost.
Mutinda, absent from last year’s World Championships, has been in outstanding form domestically, earning recognition in the Kenya Cup Dream Team and playing a pivotal role for KCB. Omondi described her comeback as crucial for the team’s balance and leadership.
“Mutinda brings stability and leadership to the team, and her performances in the Kenya Cup and league show she is ready to compete again at the highest level,” Omondi said.
“We have monitored players closely through the league and the Kenya Cup, and that competitive environment has really helped us identify those ready for the national setup,” he said.
The provisional squad features a mix of seasoned internationals and in-form domestic talent. Alongside Mutinda, setters Emmaculate Nekesa, Fridah Boke and Sheila Kasandi will compete for the position.
Omondi said the league and Kenya Cup competitions have provided players with high-pressure experience essential for international competitions, noting matches between top sides such as KCB and DCI have tested depth, resilience and tactical discipline.
“Selection is still open. What matters now is how players adapt to our systems, how they compete and how they respond under pressure,” he added.
Meanwhile, the federation also unveiled the women’s beach volleyball squad for the Burundi qualifiers on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Head coach Sila Makiso’s team features indoor stars including Sharon Jepkogei, Veronica Adhiambo and Leonida Kasaya, who now adjusts to the beach format.
Both indoor and beach teams will enter focused training phases ahead of their respective assignments.
Malkia Strikers squad
Setters: Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC), Fridah Boke (KCB), Esther Mutinda (KCB), Sheila Kasandi (KPR), Opposite Hitters: Mercy Iminza (DCI), Marlene Terry (KCB), Deborah Chesang (KCB), Middle Blockers: Gladys Ekaru (KPC), Belinda Barasa (KCB), Lorine Chebet (KPR), Marian Sokoiyo (KPC), Pauline Chemutai (KCB), Mildred Cherop (KCB), Caroline Sirengo (DCI), Ann Lowem (KPR), Outside Hitters: Veronica Adhiambo (Greece), Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda), Juliana Namutira (KCB), Sarah Namisi (DCI), Jemimah Siang’u (DCI), Pauline Itoo (KPR), Liberos: Celestine Nyongesa (KPC), Sharon Sandui (KPR), Josephine Kataa (KCB), Team Officials: Head Coach: Geoffrey Omondi, Assistant Coach: David Muthui, Assistant Coach: Patrick Sang, Statistician: Blackxides Agala, Physiotherapist: Bella Conceptor, Team Manager: Neddy Kilimo, Head of Delegation: Paul Bitok
Beach volleyball squad
Sharon Jepkogei (KPC), Veronica Adhiambo (Greece), Selina Ngambo (Ashton), Jemima Siang’u (DCI), Sharlene Sembel (KCB), Pauline Itoo (KPR), Leonida Kasaya (KPC), Vallary Jemutai (KPC)
Team Officials: Head Coach: Sila Makiso, Assistant Coach: Sammy Mulinge (APR Rwanda), Physiotherapist: Kibe Simon, Team Manager: John Ogara, Head of Delegation: Ismail Chege
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