Volleyball trains in the dark with no water

For two days, the national women's volleyball team Malkia Stars have been training without proper lighting and water.

Mercy Moim, the team captain admitted the hitch in an interview with SNA but said they were focused on the task ahead.

The same sentiments were expressed by the team coach Japheth Munala. Although the players and management were hush, SNA established lack of government support which has made it diffucult to fully concentrate on preparing for the qualifier. 

Teenager Immaculate Chemtai is thrilled to have earned a call-up to the national women team for the African Nation Cup-cum-World Championship qualifiers set to serve off this Saturday in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The Weaver Bird Secondary School alumni is among the final squad of 12 players named by Coach Japheth Munala ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday.

“This call-up is the product of the work that I do daily with my club Kenya Prisons,” said Chemtai. “I am not nervous with the selection. I am calm and eager to enjoy being part of this successful team.”

World championship

The right attacker will however muscle for the starting lineup against the reigning Africa most Valuable player Violet Makuto in the week-long event that will see the top two teams qualify for the World Championship set for next year in Japan.

“I am not going as a substitute,” expressed Chemtai. “I am going to look for my starting place. I am going to give my best and it will be the coach’s decision if I get minutes.”

Moim who retained her captainship, said she has so much confidence in Chemtai and is sure she will not disappoint in her debut.

“She has been impressive. She always wants to improve and is a quick learner. I just hope thaty she will overcome stage fright when she finally gets to play,” the European based player told Sports News Arena at Kasarani Indoor Arena after the announcement of the squad.

Moim added that the squad is ready and determined to record good results at the biannual event. She noted the preparation for the event have been good save for few days they had to train without power and water but was quick to note they have since recovered and made up the lost time.

“We are aware of what awaits us in Cameroon. The competition will be high but just like our opponents we will be going for the two available slots. We are more than ready to jostle for the two slots as well” Moim said.

Squad

Setters: Jane Wacu, Janet Wanja; Middle blockers: Triza Atuka, Brackcidise Agala, Edith Wisa; Left attackers: Noel Murambi, Leonida Kasaya, Mercy Moim, Evelyne Makuto; Right attackers: Violet Makuto and Emmaculate Chemtai;   Libero: Agripina Kundu.