Malkia Strikers unveil provisional squad for 2025 World Championship

The 10-time African champions have been drawn into Pool G, where they will face tough competition from Poland, Germany, and Vietnam.

The squad announcement signals the beginning of a new era, with several notable absentees, including former captain Mercy Moim, Trizah Atuka, and Edith Mukuvilani, among experienced players left out.

The selection reflects a clear focus on rewarding standout performers from the recently concluded national league season.

A dominant presence in the squad is the Kenya Pipeline Club (KPC), fresh from clinching the league title. Several of its star players have earned national call-ups, led by Daisy Leting, who was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

She is joined by Emmaculate Nekesa (Best Setter), Gladys Ekaru (Best Middle Blocker and team captain), Loice Simiyu (Best Opposite), Celestine Nyongesa, Mariam Musa, Lydia Emokol, and Elizabeth Sokoiyo—all of whom played key roles in KPC’s title-winning campaign.

Also included are DCI’s Sarah Namisi (Best Server) and Sharon Jeruto (Best Outside Hitter), who impressed with their performances.

The technical bench is also undergoing a transition, with Geoffrey Omondi taking over as head coach. Omondi, who led KPC to the national title in his debut season and secured a third-place finish at the Africa Club Championships in Abuja, Nigeria, will be taking charge of the national team for the first time. David Muthui and Esther Jepkosgei will assist him.

John Oronje will serve as Team Manager, while Sarah Karongo joins as the team’s physiotherapist. Former head coach Paul Bitok returns in a new role as Head of Delegation.

This will be the Malkia Strikers’ first major outing since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they exited at the group stage.

Under new leadership, the team hopes to build on their performance at the 2022 World Championship in the Netherlands, where they recorded a straight-sets victory over fierce rivals Cameroon. With fresh talent and renewed ambition, the Malkia Strikers aim to make their mark on the global stage.

Other African teams competing include Cameroon, drawn in Pool H alongside Serbia, Japan, and Ukraine, while Egypt will play in Pool A with Thailand, the Netherlands, and Sweden.