Malkia strikers unveil revamped squad for 2026 continental showdown

Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, has ushered in a fresh wave of talent after unveiling a provisional 24-player squad ahead of the 2026 Africa Nations Championship set for August on home soil.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi named eleven new players in a squad that blends emerging prospects with seasoned campaigners, signaling a strategic rebuild as Kenya prepares to host the continental tournament for the first time in 11 years.

The announcement was made at the Nyayo National Stadium Basketball Court in Nairobi.

Among the standout debutants are Kenya Prisons trio Sheila Khasandi, Ann Lowem, and Pauline Itoo, alongside DCI representatives Jemimah Siang’u, Sarah Namisi, and Caroline Sirengo. 

KCB Volleyball Club also contributed fresh faces in Deborah Chesang’,Top creme Marlene Terry, and Josephine Kataa, while Kenya Pipeline’s Sharon Sandui and Marian Sokoiyo complete the list of new entrants.

The technical bench will be led by Omondi, assisted by David Muthui and Patrick Sang.

Former international Blackxides Agala takes up the role of statistician, with Bella Conceptor serving as physiotherapist. Neddy Kilimo has been appointed team manager, while  Paul Bitok will serve as Head of Delegation.

The championship, scheduled from August 23 to September 5, presents more than just a shot at continental glory. 

It doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland and contributes to the qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Provincial Squad

Setters

1. Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC)

2. Fridah Boke (KCB)

3. Esther Mutinda (KCB)

4. Sheila Kasandi (KPR)

Opposite Hitters

5. Mercy Iminza (DCI)

6. Marlene Terry (KCB)

7. Deborah Chesang (KCB)

Middle Blockers

8. Gladys Ekaru (KPC)

9. Belinda Barasa (KCB)

10. Lorine Chebet (KPR)

11. Marian Sokoiyo (KPC)

12. Pauline Chemutai (KCB)

13. Mildred Cherop (KCB)

14. Caroline Sirengo (DCI)

15. Ann Lowem (KPR)

Outside Hitters

16. Veronica Adhiambo (Greece)

17. Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda)

18. Juliana Namutira (KCB)

19. Sarah Namisi (DCI)

20. Jemimah Siang’u (DCI)

21. Pauline Itoo (KPR)

Liberos

22. Celestine Nyongesa (KPC)

23. Sharon Sandui (KPR)

24. Josephine Kataa (KCB)

Team Officials

1. Head Coach: Geoffrey Omondi

2. Assistant Coach: David Muthui

3. Assistant Coach: Patrick Sang

4. Statistician: Blackxides Agala

5. Physiotherapist: Bella Conceptor

6. Team Manager: Neddy Kilimo 

7. Head of Delegation: Paul Bitok