All set ahead of Malkia Strikers head coach interviews

This is even as the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) readies to recruit a new head coach, two assistants and a physical trainer after the contracts of the previous technical bench expired after the Paris Olympic Games.

The federation has trimmed the candidates down to three from five with a vetting exercise set for this Saturday before the naming of a new tactician who will guide the team during this year’s World Championships set for Thailand in August.

Those who will square it during the interviews are immediate coach and current KCB coach Japheth Munala, Kenya Pipeline head coach Geoffrey Omondi and celebrated female coach Catherine Mabwi.

“We want the next head coach to bring a new dawn in Malkia Strikers. We don’t want a scenario where people feel there’s some favoritism in selection of the national team. Let the coach make bold and independent decisions that will help Malkia grow to be world beaters,” Ojukwu told Citizen Digital.

Ojukwu has also heaped praises on KVF for publicly advertising the vacancy to give a fair chance to qualified coaches in applying for the top job

“It was a prudent idea by KVF to give an open door for people to apply for that position. That would give us fairness and there will be no complaints and one who’s the most qualified will be given the job.”

“I hope it is not a plan to lock out some people and the openness will make people be satisfied with the feeling they were all involved,” added Ojukwu.

The assistant role coach which attracted nine applicants will now see seven coaches fight for the two spots during the vetting process.

The seven include immediate assistant and Kenya Prisons head coach Josp Barasa, Kenya Pipeline assistant coach Esther Jepskosgei, KCB assistant coach David Muthui, RDC head coach Marvin Tukong, Vihiga Volleyball Club head coach Samuel Mugata, Posta Bank’s Vernon Khayinga and KDF head coach Jackline Barasa.

Nairobi Prison’s head coach Sally Wanjala, Jeremiah Mukopi of DCI and Kenya Prisons’ assistant coach Azenga Mavisi will battle for the physical training role which was held by the late Janet Wanja.

KVF Secretary General Ismail Chege said the federation was seeking to recruit a new technical bench with a binding contract rather than on a temporary basis.

The new technical bench’s biggest task will be the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships scheduled for August 22 to September 7, this year in Thailand.