Volleyball: Why Makokha was dropped

Munala defends decision

Kenya Pipeline coach Japheth Munala has defended his decision to drop two players from the squad going for the Africa club championships.

Libero Mildred Odwako and Kenyan international Gaudencia Makokha have been dropped from the squad that departs for Tunis tonight, for the Africa women’s Club Championships to be held from April 6-16.

Also missing from the 14-member squad is setter Jane Wacu, who turned her back on the seven-time African champions after her much publicised move from rivals Kenya Prisons.

Odwako and Makokha have been replaced by Celestine Nyongesa and Edinah Mwombe. The two are expected to make their continental debut alongside youthful setter Joan Muindi.

“It has not been easy to come up with this squad. But as a coach, you must make tough decisions. The selection was purely based on performance, nothing else,” Munala said.

“It is not that Odwako and Makokha are bad players, but from our preseason training, the youngsters have proved themselves and we want to expose them.

“Nyongesa has been in great form and did well for the national U23 team last year. This is a chance for her and Muindi to prove their worth.

“Makokha has not been in good form and we had already converted Makuto (Violet) to right. We want a podium finish,” he added.  [Rodgers Eshitemi]