Adhiambo, Baraza headline race for Malkia Strikers places

Kenya Cup MVP Veronica Adhiambo/ HANDOUT

Mozzart Kenya Cup Most Valuable Player Veronica Adhiambo and Best Middle Blocker Belinda Baraza headline the battle for places in the Malkia Strikers squad ahead of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Nairobi.

The duo are among 25 players named by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) in a provisional squad following the conclusion of the Kenya Cup, with several standout performers earning an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the final team.

Adhiambo, who inspired Kenya Pipeline to the Kenya Cup title and claimed the tournament’s MVP award, welcomed the healthy competition within the squad, saying it would strengthen the national team ahead of the continental showpiece.

“We have many talented players in every position, but that will only make us stronger as a team. We have to remain focused, work hard in camp and ensure we are ready to represent Kenya well on home soil,” said Adhiambo.

“Every player called to camp has earned the opportunity, and the battle for places will push everyone to give their best. For me, the Kenya Cup title and MVP award are now behind me; the priority is the national team and making sure we build a squad capable of competing against the best in Africa.”

Adhiambo leads a highly competitive outside hitters’ department that also includes Rwanda-based Meldina Sande, Juliana Namutira, Sarah Namisi, Jemimah Siang’u, Pauline Etoo, Daisy Letting and Apuoyo Milka Akinyi.

Baraza, named the tournament’s Best Middle Blocker, headlines a seven-player contest for the middle blocker positions alongside Gladys Ekaru, Lorine Chebet, Marianne Sokoiyo, Pauline Chemutai, Caroline Sirengo and Anne Lowem.

Competition is equally intense in the opposite hitter position, where KCB pair Marlene Terry Tata and Deborah Jesang will battle DCI’s Mercy Iminza for selection.

Experienced setter Emmaculate Nekesa will compete with KCB duo Fridah Boke and Esther Mutinda, Kenya Prisons’ Sheila Khasandi and Rwanda-based Linar Achieng for places in the final squad.

The libero slots will be contested by Kenya Prisons’ Sharon Sandui and KCB’s Josephine Kataa. The provisional squad reported to camp on Tuesday and will train until August 2, after which head coach Geoffrey Omondi and his technical bench will trim the squad by seven players ahead of the final selection.

Kenya will host the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship from August 23 to September 5 in Nairobi, with Omondi leading the technical bench alongside assistants David Muthui and Patrick Sang.

The backroom staff also includes statistician Brackcides Agala, physiotherapist Bella Conceptor and team manager Neddy Kilimoh, while the team trainer is yet to be confirmed.