By Oscar Pilipili

When Abigael and Judy Tarus were named in the provisional national volleyball women’s team, fans were hopeful of witnessing a sisters’ act in the FIVB World Championship qualifier.

The dream has, however, gone up in smoke after the siblings were dropped from the team to play in the Africa Zone ‘C’ qualifier starting today in Nairobi.

The development came after head coach David Lung’aho released his final squad of 12 for the four-nation tournament.

Lung’aho insisted it was just by coincidence that left attacker Abigael and libero player Judy were left out of the team.

"The technical bench did not look on where the players come from when naming the final team," he said.

Difficult task

"In fact we didn’t notice that Abigael and Judy were sisters, us we looked at them as players," he quipped.

Tarus siblings Judy (left) and Abigael train at Kasarani yesterday. Both are out of the national team for World Championships qualifier. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

Lung’aho said naming the final team was a difficult task since all the players at camp were at par.

Reading between the lines, Lung’aho went for experience when selecting the final 12.

Libero Mildred Odwako who has 40 international caps is considered more experienced than Judy.

Left attacker Lydia Maiyo who at 184cm is the tallest player in the team has slight advantage compared to Abigael.

Lung’aho said the siblings would remain in camp since they are still part of the team.

He said: "The dropping of Abigael and Judith should not be misconstrued to mean that the players are off form."

"We were forced to leave them out since the FIVB rules require a team of 12 players for such tournaments," he said.

Kenya Prisons stars Joan Chelangat and Esther Mwombe and Roselyn Odhiambo of Kenya Pipeline are the new players in the team.

Great for me

Chelangat said: "I’m very happy to make it to the final team and it will be great for me to make first international debut with the national team."

Chelangat, 19, was in the team that won Prisons African Clubs Championships last year.

Status quo remains in the setter position with regulars Janet Wanja and Jane Wacu making the team.

Captain Bracksides Agala, who is fresh a one-year training stint in Turkey carries the hopes of Kenyans in the tournament whose winners qualify for the 2010 World Championships in Japan.

Agala will get support from experienced Ednah Rotich, Jackline Barasa, Mercy Moim who all have international experience.