Sisters Marcleen Akoko (left) and Vivian Vugutsa.
Sibling rivalry will be on display when the Kenya women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, begins training on Monday at the Nyayo National Stadium indoor gymnasium in Nairobi.
The camp is in preparation for the 2025 FIVB World Championships scheduled for August 22 to September 7 in Thailand.
Among the 29 players named in the provisional squad are three pairs of sisters, who will battle to make the final squad of 14.
The sister pairs are: Marcleen Akoko and Vivian Vugutsa, Emmaculate Nekesa and Delphine Misoki, Marlyn Tata and Pauline Ito.
But it’s the setting department that features the fiercest rivalry between Akoko, who plays for Kenya Prisons, and Vugutsa, who represents the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Tata, an opposite hitter, plays for KCB, while her sister, Ito, an outside hitter, features for Kenya Prisons. Misoki is a libero at Prisons, while Nekesa is a setter for Kenya Pipeline.
Akoko and Vugutsa are nieces of ex-Malkia Strikers coach Japheth Munala, who welcomed their inclusion in the squad.
“They are good setters, and I just want to wish them well and challenge them to put the right foot forward in training and hopefully make the cut. But even if they don’t, the call-up is an indication that they have something in them, and their future is definitely bright,” said KCB coach Munala.
Akoko, a Prisons Constable, described the call-up as a humbling experience and a long-time dream come true.
“I have really worked hard for this, and I’m glad that the efforts have paid off. I know a lot is expected of me, but I want to learn and give my best shot in training. I want to wish my sister well and hope that we make the final cut together,” said the soft-spoken 25-year-old.
Experienced stars
Vugutsa, 22, admitted that the call-up caught her by surprise.
“I didn’t see this coming, but hard work, determination, and discipline have earned me a slot in the national team. I want to thank the Malkia Strikers and the DCI technical bench for giving me the opportunity.
I’m humbled and I promise to do my best, but more so to learn from my fellow teammates and the coaches,” she said.
Akoko and Vugutsa started in their respective club lineups during the recent National League play-offs at Kasarani Indoor Arena, where DCI finished second behind champions Pipeline, and Prisons came in fourth.
Vugutsa started ahead of regular setter Jane Mumbua, while Akoko was preferred over seasoned setter Joy Lusenaka.
However, it’s the exclusion of several experienced stars from the provisional squad that has sparked mixed reactions within the volleyball fraternity.
The notable omissions include: captain and reigning African Best Middle Blocker, Triza Atuka, assistant captain Edith Wisa, first-choice libero Aggripina Kundu, hard-hitting attacker Sharon Chepchumba, former captain Mercy Moim and veteran spiker Leonida Kasaya.
Atuka, Wisa, Kasaya, Kundu, and Chepchumba were all part of the team that represented Kenya at the Paris Olympic Games last year.
KVF deputy president Paul Bitok said the federation respects the decision made by the technical bench, led by Kenya Pipeline coach Geoffrey Omondi.
“We don’t want to be seen as if we are in the business of technical bench selection. We promised not to interfere, and that’s what we have done,” said Bitok.
Provisional Squad
Setters: Emmaculate Nekesa, Marcleen Akoko, Vivian Vugutsa, Fridah Boke, Vallerie Chepkoech
Liberos: Cellestine Nyongesa, Delphine Misoki, Sherleen Maywa, Sharon Sandui, and Peninah Wafula
Left attackers: Sarah Namisi, Juliana Namutira, Meldine Sande, Veronica Adhiambo, Pauline Ito, Valentine Jemutai, Daisy Leting, and Mariam Musa
Opposite hitters: Pamela Adhiambo, Mercy Iminza, Marlyne Tata, Deborah Sang, and Loice Simiyu
Middle blockers: Gladys Ekaru, Belinda Barasa, Lydia Iswan, Lorraine Chebet, Pauline Chemtai and Marriane Sokoiyo
