Africa-Press – Kenya. Coach Paul Bitok has defended the technical bench over Malkia Strikers’ selection, saying they were spoilt for choice. ” There was fierce competition for places and we had to make tough decisions before coming up with the final squad,” he noted.
Bitok named a 20-member squad yesterday for the upcoming international assignments as the Road to Paris takes shape. He said the selection process started in Tunisia during the African Club Championships, where KCB and Kenya Pipeline represented the country.
According to the latest list, the Pipeline duo of Loice Simiyu and Delphine Misoki as well as KCB’s Julian Namutira will be making their debut after impressing Brazilian coach Luizomar De Moura in Tunisia.
“The process was competitive and that shows the depth in talent we have. Much as it was painful for some players, we had no choice but to make a decision,” Bitok said.
Also returning to the squad are Triza Atuka and Rose Magoi. Atuka was named to the CAVB Dream Team after helping Pipeline claim silver in Tunisia. Persistent injuries in the recent past have denied the towering middle blocker the chance to showcase her skills.
Bitok named Atuka Malkia Strikers vice-captain, saying: “She is not Pipeline’s captain but displayed her leadership qualities in Tunisia and took responsibility head-on.”
Mercy Moim will captain the squad that is expected to start training next week at the Kasarani Indoor Arena under Bitok. Malkia will then head to Morocco on June 10 for one-and-a-half months of training under the International Volleyball Federation FIVB program.
The Kenya Queens are expected in Laval, France, for the Challenge Cup scheduled for July 25 -31. Malkia, who graced Tokyo Olympic Games, will return home before heading to Cameroon for the Africa Nations Championships slated for August 6-18.
SQUAD: Setters: Immaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Veronica Kilabat, Rose Magoi; Opposite attackers: Sharon Chepchumba, Loice Simiyu, Pamela Adhiambo; Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Veronicah Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira, Leonida Kasaya, Jemimah Siang’u, Yvonne Wavinya; Libero: Delphine Misoki, Agripina Kundu; Middle blockers: Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa, Lorine Chebet, Gladys Ekaru and Trizah Atuka.
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