Nekesa crucial for Malkia after impressing in Africa tourney, says Bitok

The 18-year-old handed the bankers the title with a decisive attack to break Al Ahly's hearts after going toe-to-toe in the deciding set.

The quadrennial showpiece will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Poland from September 23 to October 15.

"She is still young but played with maturity beyond her age. How she handled herself against the Arabs tells it all. Her confidence has improved but she now has what it takes to don the national colours," Bitok honestly observed.

Nekesa, a Kwanthanze alumnus, faces competition at the club level from new signing Faith Imodia who joined KCB from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation.

Malkia are short of options in the setting department as Joy Luseneka and Esther Mutinda are out while the future of veteran Jane Wacu remains uncertain.

Wacu, the longest-serving Malkia player, last played in the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games. She missed the African Nations Championship in  September last year in Rwanda.

Bitok said he is considering overhauling the department with Nekesa, Imodia and KDF's Veronicah Kilabat having a head start. 

"There are young and hungry setters we have earmarked to help us fill the void that currently exists. We are not sure what the future holds for Wacu but all the aforementioned players are equally good," he noted. 

Bitok said they are likely to name a squad of 25 players. The team is expected in Brazil for a two-month high-performance training on June 20th before proceeding to Serbia for two weeks to play friendly matches en route to Poland.

Malkia are in the tough Pool 'A' alongside European champions Italy, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Belgium and reigning African champions Cameroon.