Kenya Commercial Bank middle-blocker Magdaline Mwende says rubbing shoulders with more experienced players has impacted her career positively.
Mwende, 22, has had the opportunity to play alongside instrumental players likes Malkia captain Edith Wisa, Mercy Moim, Noel Murambi, Violet Makuto, and Agrippina Kendu.
"It is a pleasure to train every day with Moim and Wisa at KCB. Interacting with other senior players not only persuades me to improve but also creates my own history," the towering player said.
"They have accomplished a lot in their glittering careers and nothing pleases me more than being in the company of achievers."
Mwende hopes her maiden Malkia call-up will be a catalyst and a launchpad for her career. The highly rated youngster is currently in Brazil with Malkia for a two-month high-performance training ahead of the World Championship next month.
The 24-team quadrennial show will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Poland starting September 23 to October 15.
Despite facing stiff competition for a starting role from Lorine Chebet, Belinda Barasa, Gladys Ekaru and Wisa, the enterprising player believes she has the requisite skills to blossom in the Netherlands when Malkia entertain the hosts, Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico and Cameroon.
"Donning the Malkia jersey is a dream come true for me. Even at my tender age, I have gone through a lot and I hope I will help Malkia attain their objectives."
Mwende helped the bankers regain the African glory, propelling the Japheth Munala-coached side to the premier club competition after 16 years.
Mwende, who left Kwanthanze Secondary School in 2021, is the latest athlete to come through the Machakos-based institution's production line and was re-united with budding setter Emmaculate Nekesa at KCB.
Already a victor at school games and club level, Mwende hopes to enhance her skills further to become undroppable.
"I was lucky to win both national and East Africa school games in 2019. Victory in Tunisia with KCB in June was special. Fingers crossed, this must extend to the national team."
"My dream is to become a professional player. Playing in the Netherlands will be a platform to prove myself as I aspire to perform better."
