Volleyball: KVF appoints national team coaches, names squads for All Africa Games

 Chenje axed as KVF names All Africa Games squads

In a bid to breathe a fresh lease of life in the Kenya Men’s volleyball team, the Kenya Volleyball Federation has made changes in the team’s technical bench, sacking head coach Gideon Chenje and appointing his successor immediately.

Co-operative coach and former national team player Geoffrey Omondi is the new coach and will be assisted by GSU head coach Gideon Tarus, with Ndirangu Guantanamo serving as the team manager.

And with one month remaining before the All Africa Games Qualifiers serves-off in Rwanda, Omondi has already revealed an 18-man provisional squad that reports to residential training camp at Kasarani.

“I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed the coach.  My main objective is to see that the team qualifies for the All Africa Games,” said a jubilant Omondi.

Qatar-based left attacker Phillip Maiyo is among the experienced players who have been called-up to start preparing for the Rwanda assignment. Others are Dennis Mokua, Daniel Kiptoo, Nicholas Lagat and David Kirwa.

Meanwhile, Kenya Prisons coach David Lung’aho has named his provisional squad for next month’s (April 20-26) All Africa Games Qualifiers in Uganda.

Conspicuously missing are France-based skipper Braxcides Agala and setter Jane Wacu, who have been exempted from the competition due to club commitments.

However, Lunga’ho who will be deputized by Kenya Pipeline coach Japheth Munala and David Kilundo (Team manager), has handed youngsters Yvonne Wavinya, Ann Lowem and Celestine Nyongesa their  maiden senior team call-up. But the availability of Prisons attacker Mercy Moim, who returned to the country recently after the expiry of her six months loan deal with Finish side Liiga Ploki, is a big boost to the team.

Setter Janet Wanja, Ruth Chepngetich, Triza Atuka, Esther Wangeci,  Gaudencia Makokha, Noel Murambi and Monica Biama who are all part of Pipeline squad currently in Cairo for the Africa Club championship, have been included in the team.

“I am ready to work with Munala to see to it that team qualifies. We only have two weeks prior to the event and players gelling will be crucial. I can see the players are in good shape thanks to league matches,” said Lung’aho.

Elsewhere, Kenya Pipeline will face defending Africa club champions GSP of Algeria in the first quarter-final match, at the October Hall, Cairo.

The seven time winners and KVF League champions qualified for the last eight after beating Kutlwano (Botswana) 3-0 and FAP of Cameroon 3-1 in Group C fixtures.

Meanwhile, Prisons (Men) overwhelmed their domestic rivals GSU 3-2 (21-25 24-26 25-23 18-25 and 15-8) to lift the Authur Odera tournament, in Malaba, yesterday.

The women title was also clinched by Prisons who walloped Nairobi Queens by three sets to nil (25-22, 25-18, 25-12).

Provisional squads:

Men: Daniel Kiptoo, Elisha Aliwa, Nicholas Lagat, David Kirwa, Phillip Maiyo, James Ontere, Hudson Chesoli, Rodgers Kiprui, Wesley Rono , James Ngara, Dennis Mokua, Rashid kiprono, Peter Kabatu, Fredrick Muiruru, Saustine Baraza, Nicholas Kiplagat, Bonventry Wekesa and Michael Njoroge

Women: Janet Wanja, Joy Luseneka, Faith Imodia, Gladys Wairimu, Joan Imodia, Lydia Maiyo, Emmaculate Chemtai, Esther Wangeci, Yvonne Wavinya, Ruth Jepngetich, Edith Wisa, Anne Lowem, Triza Atuka, Shyrine Jepkemboi, Chemtai Ndiema, Joan Chelagat, Mercy Moim, Evelyne Makuto,Noel Murambi, Monica Biama, Faustine Siakisa, Ruth Chelagat, Gaudencia Makokha, Elizabeth Wanyama and Celestine Nyongesa

Athletics
Kenya hoping to defend World Cross Country title in Belgrade
Football
Fifa threatens Kenya with ban again
Unique Sports
SCHOOLS: Lenana School, Kisumu Girls and Agoro Sare turn focus on national games finals
Motorsport
Safari Rally: 29 drivers set for epic showdown as Safari Rally zooms off