Kenya women’s national volleyball team captain Meldina Sande says they are currently working on service reception and blocking, two areas she believes African teams often struggle with on the global stage.
The Malkia Strikers are in non-residential training at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi ahead of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, which will be held from August 22 to September 7 in Thailand. “We have the power in attack,” Sande said.
“However, what beats African teams most times is poor reception and block timing. That’s where we’re putting our energy — to defend as strongly as we attack, ” she added.
The technical bench, led by head coach Geoffrey Omondi, trimmed the provisional squad from 29 to 20 players on Friday. The final list of 14 will be named before the team heads to Vietnam for a series of friendly matches scheduled for August 15–20. “This being my first time as captain, I feel honoured and ready to lead,” Sande said.
“The competition has been tough. Everyone wants a slot in the final 14, and that hunger has lifted the training intensity.”
She noted that many of the younger players are eager to prove themselves, and the team remains united under the one goal of performing well in Thailand.
The 20-player squad includes setters Emmaculate Nekesa, Fridah Boke and Marclean Okoko; opposite hitters: Mercy Iminza, Malyne Terry, Loice Simiyu and Pamela Adhiambo; middle blockers: Belinda Barasa, Elizabeth Sokoiyo, Gladys Ekaru, Lorine Chebet and Pauline Chemtai.
Outside hitters are Daisy Leting, Veronica Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira, Sarah Namisi and Sande, while liberos are Celestine Nafula, Sharlene Maywa and Dolphine Misoki.
Dropped from the squad are KDF’s setter Valerie Chepkoech, DCI’s Vivian Vugutsa, libero Peninah Wafula, and Kenya Prisons’ Sharon Sandui, who is recovering from injury. Also released are Valentine Jemutai, Miriam Musa, Deborah Sang and Lydia Iswan.
Coach Omondi said selection has been highly competitive and praised the players’ commitment.
“Everyone is giving their best, and the energy is high,” he said. “We’re evaluating the players based on positional balance and readiness.”
At the same time, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Marketing Commission has lauded Coca-Cola’s continued support for both the senior and junior Malkia squads as they prepare for international assignments.
