Wanja turns down call-up, her hands are full for now

Kenya's Janet Wanja sets up Triza Atuka against USA during the first match of the FIVB World Cup in Japan on September 14,2019

Pipeline setter wishes Malkia revels Olympic experience, wishes team all the best in Cameroon.

National women volleyball team, Malkia Strikers have suffered a huge blow after experienced setter Janet Wanja withdrew from the African Olympic Qualifying tournament-bound squad due to ‘personal’ reasons.

Wanja, 35, becomes the second key Malkia player to be ruled out of the continental competition slated for next month (January 2-10) in Yaoundé, Cameroon after her Kenya Pipeline captain Trizah Atuka was recently sidelined for up to nine months with a knee injury.

Ironically, this is the second consecutive Olympic qualifying tournament the former assistant captain is set to miss after being overlooked ahead of the 2016 edition in Cameroon.

The flamboyant setter was controversially dropped together with the recently crowned female player of the year Brackcides Agala after falling out with the federation.

The duo’s absence was heavily felt in Yaoundé as Malkia Strikers failed to clinch a direct ticket to Rio Olympic after finishing third behind Cameroon and Egypt.

Interestingly, Wanja was the only player in Paul Bitok’s provisional squad currently in residential training camp at Kasarani Stadium, who has featured in Kenya’s last Olympic in Athens, 2004.

But her absence gives an opportunity to Pipeline youngster Esther Mutinda and Kenya Prisons’ Joy Luseneka, who have always been playing a second fiddle to Wanja.

The duo will get a chance to battle it out with experienced Seychelles-based setter Jane Wacu for a spot in the starting six.  

Bitok admitted that his side will miss Wanja’s experience and leadership qualities during the qualifiers.

“The team and I are very thankful for Wanja’s services all through. Coupled with her experience, she is always very committed, smart and a natural leader,” said Bitok in a statement.

“Wanja remains one of the best and experienced setters Kenya has ever had. As a contingency measure, Wacu, Esther and Joy who play in a similar position, will be mooted to fill her shoes for this upcoming qualifiers. I have a lot of confidence the players and rest of the team will put essential effort while Wanja is away.”

Bitok added: “I further urge KVF to register youth and junior players for future CAVB/FIVB competition as this will allow for smooth transition and succession of senior team players. I’m personally grateful to having worked with Wanja and I’m looking forward to future national duties with her.”

Though Wanja wished the team all the best, she warned them not to expect an easy outing in West Africa as she reflected on the 2004 Olympic experience.

 “I’m out due to personal commitment, but I think this is an opportunity for the young players to prove themselves. I don’t think if my absence is a big blow because I’ve trust in those who are in the team. I believe in the team,” Wanja told Standard Sports.

“They are capable of qualifying but it will not be a walk in the park. Let them not focus so much on Cameroon because other teams also want to go to Tokyo.

“It’s a dream of every player to play at the Olympic and I’m glad to have been there. Though I was still young, I enjoyed each and every moment there. I’ve played in all major competitions, but the feeling and experience is unforgettable. “