Kenya face huge task in Mexico FIVB Grand Prix

Kenya will be seeking to stamp its authority in women’s volleyball when it takes on hosts Mexico and Algeria in the FIVB World Grand Prix.

The team, which left last night for Monterrey, Mexico is riding on the crest of their wave of victory at the Africa Nations Championships and must win against their hosts to qualify to play in the group finals in Australia next month.

Secretary General Evans Wasike has challenged the team to turn around its fortune and win both matches.

“They have to win their matches. Depending on how the team performs, FIVB will be able to help us compete in more competitions,” said Wasike.

Head coach David Lung’aho has retained the same team that did duty for the country in the continental games, where Kenya clinched the ticket to the World Cup later in August. 

Kenya has only three foreign-based players, Captain Brackcides Agala and setter Jane Wacu, both with French side Chamalieres and left attacker Mercy Moim, who plays in Finland.

“Kenya will start with Mexico (26-28 June) then Algeria (2-5 July). If the Kenya team qualifies after Mexico and Algeria, they will then go to Australia (7-10 July).”

Kenya beat Algeria 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) sets to claim their ninth Africa volleyball crown. Both finalists Kenya and Algeria already secured the two African tickets for 2015 FIVB World Cup to be staged in Japan August 22 to September 6.The 23rd edition of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, which is the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) premier annual competition for women’s national teams, will run from June 26 to August 1.

Preliminary Round, with six weeks of action across all three groups, will see team meet in Omaha for the finals. Kenya, together with Algeria will be pooled in Group three, which also has Australia, Colombia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Peru.

THE TEAM: Setters: Janet Wanja, Jane Wacu Right attackers: Lydia Maiyo, Esther Wangeci Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Evelyn Makuto, Monica Biama, Noel Murambi Middle blockers: Brackcides Agala, Ruth Jepngetich, Triza Atuka Libero: Elizabeth Wanyama.