National U20 volleyball team to miss key players in Cameroon assignment

The national side is currently in non-residential training at Nyayo Gymnasium sharpening their claws ahead of the continental championship scheduled for August 2 to 12 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Head coach Jackline Barasa says the squad will comprise players drawn from schools that did not reach the national stage thus missing top stars who are currently preparing to feature at the inter-school championship set for July 29 to August 2 in Kakamega.

“With the dates clashing, most of our team players whose schools made it to the nationals are not in camp with us. The team comprises girls whose teams fell off in the early stages of the competition and a few girls who are in the top league,” she explained.

The squad will also be without one of its key players, Merlene Tery Tata, who has been called up to the senior national team, Malkia Strikers, for the upcoming Women’s World Championships in Thailand next month.

Despite late entry to camp Barasa remains optimistic about her squad’s chances at the continental showdown.

“We started late, and this is a challenge, however we have put in the extra shift to be ready. We know what lies ahead and we are prepared.”

Team captain Sally Sikutwa backed her coach’s sentiments about the delayed preparations but expressed confidence that the team would rise to the occasion.

“Compared to last year, this is somehow better. Last time, we had even less time to prepare and still managed to finish fourth. This time, we are aiming for a podium finish,” said Sikutwa.

“We are going to Cameroon with a goal of winning. Last time, we didn’t do that well, and this time we want to make the country proud.”