Volleyball: Kenya U-23 team intensify training ahead of World championship in Slovenia

Under-20 National Volleyball team's Kenya International and National Youth Talent Academy Coach Catherine Mabwi, centre, give instruction to players Lynett Muremi, left, and Doreen Maren undergoing training at Kasarani Sports Complex Stadium on Monday, January 12thj, 2015. Photo/Jonah Onyango.

Four players to be dropped, one week before departure.

The Kenyan U23 women’s volleyball squad to this year’s FIVB World U-23 Championship has intensified training ahead of next month’s (September 10-17) global tournament in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Sixteen players led by captain Shyrene Chepkemboi graced Thursday morning training at Kasarani Gymnasium as the youthful Malkia Strikers continued with its preparation after taking a short break during the General Elections.

And having been drawn against champions Brazil, 2015 runners up Turkey, Japan, Bulgaria and Cuba in what has been dubbed the ‘group of death’ (B), head coach Catherine Mabwi is working around the clock to ensure the team performs well at the tournament in its third edition.

“Of course the political uncertainty affected our training schedule, but I am happy everybody is back and the players are settling down very fast. We resumed training on Monday and so far the response has been encouraging,” Mabwi told Standard Sports.

“It is a tough pool, but the good thing is that we had anticipated it. All the same, we have no control over the pooling, our job is to prepare for that challenge.

“We are working on our tactics and accuracy of skill execution.

“We are working on how to minimise our mistakes and unforced errors. That’s the only way we can overcome our opponents in Slovenia.”

Asked about the competition in the team, the former Kenyan international said;

“From what I am seeing, we should prepare ourselves for some sleepless nights. The competition is very stiff and everyone wants to go to Slovenia, unfortunately we only have 12 slots.

“So, that means four more players will be dropped in the coming few weeks.”

Just like Mabwi, team manager Martin Makokha said the team is ready for the task ahead.

“No one would love to be in such a group of death. But since we are there, we expect to put up a good fight and learn from those giants,” said Makokha, who doubles up as Kenya Volleyball Federation vice chairman.

The team is expected to depart for Slovenia on September 8.

Pool A has Slovenia, Dominican Republic, China, Thailand, Argentina and Egypt.