Unveiling Malkia Strikers

Kenya's Malkia Strikers (Standing: Ruth Jepng’etich, Triza Atuka, Bracksides Khadambi, Mercy Moim, Esther Wangeci, Lydia Maiyo. Kneeling:Noel Murambi, Evelyn Nyasiche, Monica Biama, Elizabeth Wanyama, Janet Wanja, Jane Wacu), during the 2015 FIVB world Grand Prix final match against Peru at Canberra, Australia accompanied by their technical bench. [Photo: FIVB]

I have to admit that there could be a more adept scribe to unveil the true face of our National Women's Volleyball team. I know that many sports journalists have written about Kenya's queens of volleyball.

Like most Kenyans, unless you are a true fan of course, I only knew the Malkia Strikers — as the team is popularly known — through the media, which mostly covered their two poster girls, Janet Wanja and Jane Wacu, as well as their coach David Lungaho.

So disconnected that I, ruefully, missed their recent and arguably most notable gold medal clinching feat in Canberra, Australia. Looking back, I wonder how we remain transfixed on certain objects of admiration, so much that we lose focus on what truly defines us and makes us proud.

Such is the predicament Malkia Strikers have had to contend with despite impressing at every turn.

They truly are self-effacing, these young women, despite their extraordinary winning streak.

I expected a bucketful of attitude when I walked in on them at training at Kasarani Indoor Arena, but I was proven wrong by the way they attended to my naïve self even as they continued to concentrate on practice.

It was a joy watching the lean yet unpredictably athletic frames push through intricate motions that almost ended with cheers after a hapless ball was spiked. It is this sheer determination that saw them fell volleyball greats.

Even though this was their first time in the finals, Malkia Strikers came back from one set down to trounce Peru in four sets (25-21 17-25 22-25 23-25).

This was a true icing on the cake for a team with a record nine African Championship titles having first participated in the championships in 1989, four years after the women's national team was instituted. No end in sight to this winning streak if the intensity of training is anything to go by.

After my star struck self was composed enough to take on the queens, I realised that I was in for a treat as both the senior and junior team were in camp.

The former are working towards the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup in Japan and the latter the All Africa Games to be held in Congo Brazzaville next month.

At noon, after an intense training session, the team broke camp for lunch. I was wounded to watch the volleyballers pull out packed lunches.

I asked why, and I was saddened to learn that women's volleyball has lacked substantial support through the years. This means that any shilling earned is not squandered on luxuries, and that might even mean food.

The junior team actually lacks official training kits and have to share.

My heart bled for the queens who have had to put up with embarrassing situations. One fan, for instance, recalled seeing a team member board a passenger service vehicle after their momentous win over perennial rivals Algeria in June.

One of the players lamented that they always leave for national assignments without the national flag, insurance cover, and the traditional morale-boosting breakfast that other national teams have.

This explains why National Oil's sponsorship of the senior team played a major part in turning the fortunes of Malkia Strikers. They had uninterrupted training, over a month long, which allowed the technical bench to work on skills and tactics.

The hurdles they have overcome gave them the determination, which coupled with the amazing flash support from fans, resulted in gold.

The team acknowledges the unparalleled number of fans who cheered them on to their ninth African. That support increased their faith in themselves.

No need to bore you with more statistics — so, in acknowledgement of their incredible feat, Sunday Magazine presents 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix champions and nine-time African champions, The Malkia Strikers.

MALKIA STRIKERS BIO DATA (SENIOR TEAM)

FULL NAME: Esther Wangeci

AGE: 25

POSITION: Right attacker

HEIGHT: 5’9 Weight: 73 Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline Company

Marital status: Dating

Quote: Nothing is easy, but hard work pays

I attended Karunda’s Primary in Chaka and credit my passion and height advantage for propelling my professional volleyball career. I began playing for the high school would later join (Tetu High School) while still in primary school. During my time at the institution, I would help the volleyball team two national titles. By the time I left high school, I had three clubs waiting to sign me. I signed with Blue Triangle and played the play-off before signing with my current club. My first national team call-up was in 2012 for the 2010 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship where I learnt how to compose myself and learnt that it is okay to make mistakes. The highlight of my career was making history by winning the Grand Prix. I enjoy nyama choma and Stoney soda.

FULL NAME: Ruth Jepng’etich

AGE: 25 Weight: 74 Kgs

POSITION: Middle blocker

HEIGHT: 6’1

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline Company

Marital Status: Engaged

Quote: “Nothing is impossible. Work for it”

I went to Kapkorio school in Uasin Gishu province before joining Stephen Kositany high School in Nandi where I played volleyball for fun. In 2009, I attended a volleyball tournament in Eldoret where a Blue triangle club scout pointed out my physique as fitting for volleyball. I would sign on for a professional stint in what was a jolting start. The level of training was unlike what I had anticipated, but with time, I adapted. In time, as proof of my ability, the National University of Benin’s largest campus Université d'Abomey-Calavi called on my expertise for a week. Together we reached the finals, but lost, a feat never before managed.  A year later, good form saw me called for national duty with my first tournament being the All Africa Gamesa qualifiers in Ethiopia. In 2011 period, I signed to my current club. The highlight of my journey has been proving naysayers wrong at every turn. I relish chapatti with peas downed with milk. I enjoy farming in my free time.

FULL NAME: Trizah Atuka

AGE: 23

POSITION: Middle blocker

HEIGHT: 6’1 Weight: 65 Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline Company

Marital Status: Single

Quote: “Nurture your talent. It is just as important as other fields”

I attended Musoli and Mukumu girls for my primary and secondary education respectively. I am currently a third year Gender and development student at Kenyatta University. My professional career began at KCB club before I signed to Pipeline club. Before joining the senior national volleyball team, I represented our country in the national junior team on five occasions two of which were for the under-18 team and the rest under-23. My first international assignment abroad was in Mexico-exposure that greatly improved my skill. I draw inspirational from my single mother who taught my siblings and me the importance of hard work and self-reliance.

FULL NAME: Elizabeth Wanyama

AGE: 28 Weight: 68 Kgs

POSITION: Libero

HEIGHT: 5’7

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: In a relationship

Quote: “Nothing is impossible if you trust God”

I was in class five at Kahawa Garrison Primary school when I was introduced to volleyball. There was this KDF officer at the Kahawa Garrison KDF Millitary Base where I was raised who took to coaching youth the basics of volleyball. I was pretty good by the time I joined Lugulu girls and even got invited to play for the national junior team while in form two.  I would fail to make the cut in this instant, but earned a place in the KCB club after completing school where I played for seven months. Kenya Prisons was my next home before being called to join the national side in 2009. Being named best libero in Africa at the 17th edition of the African Nations Cup Championship is a highlight in my career that reminds me of how I yearned to play in that position in my younger years. My lowest point was when we fell to Tunisia at Kasarani in 2013 during Africa cup of nations, and inadvertently failed our expectant fans. I enjoy my friends company, shopping, and a good meal of Ugali served with liver.

FULL NAME: Monicah BiamaAGE: 26

POSITION: Wing spiker

HEIGHT: 5’9

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline Company

Marital Status: Married with one child

Quote: “It pays to focus on your talent.”

I did not encounter volleyball through my years at Kewek Primary School, Burnt forest until I was in form three in Weaver Bird High School in Kitale. I was, however, a natural when I picked up the sport and was signed to my current club in 2006.I fondly remember my first assignment for the country that was the Africa cup of nations in Kasarani. It was an overwhelming honour and it took a at least ten score for the winner mentality to set in. By the time I played the club championships in Cairo, Egypt for the club, I had fully eased into the role. I enjoy dancing and listening to music. Ugali, nyama choma and mursik is a favourite.

FULL NAME: Evelyn Nyasiche Makuto

AGE: 25

POSITION: Opposite spiker/ left attacker

HEIGHT: 5’9

Weight: 64

Weight: 59 Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: No comment

Quote: “Volleyball is like politics. You win some, you lose some. Be prepared always as you never know where opportunity springs”

I began playing volleyball while in class four at Lumbeji Primary School in Western. By the time I was in class seven, I began practising with Lugulu High School volleyball team.  It, therefore, was an easy transition into high school as I was already acquainted with it volleyball team.  In my first year, I was approached to join the junior national team which I would captain in Mexico in 2009 for the World championships. Two years later, I earned a place in the senior team taking on Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nation as my first duty. It was my birthday and I could not have asked for a better gift than the win we secured on that day. Ugali and fish is my favourite dish.

FULL NAME: Noel Murambi

AGE: 26

POSITION: Opposite striker/ Right attacker

HEIGHT: 5’8

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline

Marital Status: Single

Quote: “Keep building passion for learn if you want to better yourself”

Siuma primary and St Emmanuel Miruri Secondary schools that I attended did not have strong volleyball teams in my time and always fell at zonal level. My talent would then ‘borrowed’ by the more established Moi High School Kamusinga. In 2010, I joined KCB club, but would be forced to quit due to distance hiccups. Pipeline club was closer to where I lived. I walked to the club one day and asked to try for a spot in the team, I impressed and was in a bus for Wajir for my first club assignment. As the year wound up, I received the all-important call to join the national side. Fitting in was challenging, but in October 2011, I played World Championships in Japan and have been a part of the team since. Being part of Malkia strikers has taught me to be humble and respectful. Just in case you were wondering: fruit juices, ugali and chicken do it for me.

FULL NAME: Lydia Maiyo

AGE: 27

POSITION: Opposite Spiker/ Right attacker

HEIGHT: 6’1

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: Married with one child

Quote: “Success depends 100% on your attitude. Also train hard and win easy”

My brother who played volleyball was one of my earliest influences. From Muswot Primary in Uasin Gishu to Lugulu Girls in Bungoma County, I had an inclination that I would end up a professional volleyball player. During one of the high school games, a scout noticed me and told me I had a place as soon as I completed high school. True to his word, I got signed to Kenya Pipeline in 2005. In 2006, I was called to join Malkia Strikers. My greatest highlight other than our win in Australia was in a previous world championship qualifying match where we managed to win a set against a rather tough opponent. I enjoy eating fish and ugali and drinking fruit juices.

FULL NAME: Mercy Moim

AGE: 26

POSITION: Wing Spiker/ Right attacker

HEIGHT: 6’0

Weight: 72Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: Mother to a son

Quote: “The coach only supplements personal initiative”

I owe my career to my late uncle who introduced me to volleyball while in Kaboywo and St Philips schools in Kakamega, and Cheptil Secondary School in Eldoret. The early exposure saw me join the junior national team in 2003 for duty in Poland while in form two. Two years later, I joined the senior team for the Africa Cup of Nations. After attaining my high school certificate, I signed to KCB for four months before joining my current club. Being part of the national squad as well as being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) severally has been encouraging for me. It has been a wonderful experience growing as a family where we slayed great teams and overcoming racism in some countries we played in. I enjoying mursik and ugali; watching soccer, socialising and, tending to my shamba.

FULL NAME: Brackcides Khadambi

AGE: 31

POSITION: Middle Blocker/Centre

HEIGHT: 5’9

Weight: 70Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: Married with three children

Quote: “The coach only supplements personal initiative”

Captaining our team to victory is an indelible highlight. I attended Statehouse primary, but my volleyball journey began in my second year at Lugulu Girls High school. After high school, I signed to Kenya Commercial Bank in 2005 before switching to my current club a year later. My stretch with the national side, on the other hand, began in 2004 while in form two when I was inducted into the national team. My favourite food is matoke served with beef stew. If am not working.  When my volleyball career ends, I intend to either becoming a coach or concentrating on my prison job

FULL NAME: Janet Wanja

AGE: 31

POSITION: Setter

HEIGHT: 5’7 Weight 62 Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Pipeline Company

Marital Status: No comment

Quote: “I echo Lupita’s words-your dreams are valid”

I was raised in Nairobi’s Kahawa barracks where I got my first interaction aged 12. I played for fun in a junior club close to my estate while attending Kenyatta University Primary School.  Later on, I joined Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega where my volleyball career took off in earnest. As fate would have it, in 2001, while in form two, I made my debut for the national junior side in Croatia. Immediately I finished my last paper, national duty awaited and I would sign up to Pipeline club several months after the national assignment. My top career moment was being the youngest player in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece wearing the number #7 jersey. My lowest point was when I was dropped from the all Africa championship national squad in 2007 despite my belief that I was in tip top shape. I enjoy a good party, and working on my dancing skill. Rice served with beef and vegetables is a favourite as is apple juice.

FULL NAME: Jane Wacu Wairimu

AGE: 30

POSITION: Setter

HEIGHT: 5’7 Weight 55 Kgs

CLUB: Kenya Prisons

Marital Status: Dating

Quote: “I urge all street children to never give up on a better life”

I played football in District Education Board (D.E.B) Muslim Primary School in Nyeri and in Tetu High School. It was only in form two that the volleyball coach at my school lured me to volleyball. My first try at the sport was commendable and in no time, I made the first team. A year later after showcasing my talent in interschool competitions, I impressed the national junior sides scouts who offered me a spot in the team. I would, unfortunately, not join the team due to issues at the school at the time. Kenya Pipeline club, however, signed me immediately I finished school. In 2006, I joined the senior national outfit and have featured severally since. Playing for a European club was a big deal for me and I count my stint at France’s Chamalières Volleyball Club as an acme. If I was to pick a low point in my career, it would be missing out on the all African Games in Maputo. Chips and Matoke are a delicacy for me. Catch me hanging out with friends or partying if I am not working or on the court.

I was in class five at Kahawa Garrison Primary school when I was introduced to volleyball. There was this KDF officer at the Kahawa Garrison KDF Millitary Base where I was raised who took to coaching youth the basics of volleyball. I was pretty good by the time I joined Lugulu girls and even got invited to play for the national junior team while in form two.  I would fail to make the cut in this instant, but earned a place in the KCB club after completing school where I played for seven months. Kenya Prisons was my next home before being called to join the national side in 2009. Being named best libero in Africa at the 17th edition of the African Nations Cup Championship is a highlight in my career that reminds me of how I yearned to play in that position in my younger years. My lowest point was when we fell to Tunisia at Kasarani in 2013 during Africa cup of nations, and inadvertently failed our expectant fans. I enjoy my friends company, shopping, and a good meal of Ugali served with liver.

Coach: David ‘Demosh’ Lungaho

Assistant Coach: Japheth Munala

Team manager: Kipkemei Sirma

Doctor: Paul Mangoli

Physiotherapist: Charles Maina

Press woman: Doreen Maghandia

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