Malkia Strikers coach Omondi defends decision to drop several senior players

Coach Geoffrey Omondi believes naming a young squad for the FIVB World Championships in Thailand marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Malkia Strikers ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

KVF named a training squad of 29 ahead of the Thai showdown from August 22 to September 7.

Notable absentees from the squad include stalwart middleblocker Trizah Atuka, the captain, and her predecessor Mercy Moim.

The move, Omondi said, aims to build a lasting legacy for Kenyan volleyball.

"What we have here is a team for the future. We are building a team that will serve the nation for years to come," Omondi said.

It’s time to give younger players the chance to shine on the global stage, despite the risks, he observed.

“You can't play forever. It's time for the fresh talent to step up. We go to big tournaments with some of our legends and experienced players, and end up losing," he added.

"Why not then go to these tournaments with young players so that even if we lose, the players gain experience which will build the team for the next 10 years."

The selection process was driven by players' performances in the KVF league.

"We looked at the players' performances throughout the season. We saw some young, upcoming girls who were doing extremely well. It's time for them now to gain invaluable experience on the global stage," he noted.

"Players like Sarah Namisi and Mercy Iminza have been doing so well in the league. They have played against experienced girls and have done so well," he pinpointed.

Namisi, an outside hitter, and Iminza, an opposite hitter, both ply their trade with the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigation).

While acknowledging the pressure that comes with a squad in transition, Omondi called for patience.

"Patience pays. Results don't just come easy, we have to trust in this squad and give them time to shine and build themselves just like we did to the country's volleyball legends," he said.

At the World Championships, Malkia Strikers are placed in Pool G alongside Poland, Germany and Vietnam.

Omondi said their focus will be on improving with every match despite facing superior teams.

"Our goal is to push hard and aim for victory in the pool stages. We hope to secure at least two sets against Germany and Poland and a win against Vietnam," he added.

The team begin residential camp on Monday, hoping to build team chemistry and sharpen tactical skills.

Squad:

Setters: Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC), Fridah Boke (KCB), Marcleen Okoko (Prisons), Vivian Vuguzza (DCI) Valarie Chepkoech (KDF); Middle blockers: Gladys Ekaru (KPC), Belinda Barasa (KCB), Lorine Kaei (Prisons), Lydia Emokol (KPC), Elizabeth Sokoiyo (KPC), Pauline Chemutai (KCB); Liberos: Celestine Nyongesa (KPC), Delphine Misoki (Prisons), Sharleen Maywa (KCB), Sharon Sandui (Prisons), Peninah Wafula (DCI); Outside hitters: Mariam Musa (KPC), Daisy Leting (KPC), Veronicah Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira (KCB), Pauline Itoo (Prisons), Sarah Namisi (DCI), Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda), Valentine Chemutai (Post Bank); Opposites: Loice Simiyu (KPC), Pamela Adhiambo (LP Viesti), Marlyn Tata (KCB), Deborah Jesang (KCB), Mercy Iminza (DCI)