FIVB World Cup volleyball team to train in Egypt

By Oscar Pilipili

National women's volleyball team departs on Thursday to Cairo Egypt for a training stint in preparation for 2011 FIVB World Cup scheduled to run from November 4-18 in Japan.

Kenya Volleyball Federation Secretary General Evans Wasike confirmed that team of 15 jet out aboard Egypt Air Flight at 5.55pm.

He said: "The team will play several build-up matches in Cairo before proceeding to Japan on November 1 via Dubai and South Korea."

"The trip is very important because it will offer opportunity for new players in the team to understand few things about international volleyball," said Wasike.

Wasike said team manager Edward Kisaka will not travel with the team following the death of his father.

"Kisaka will link up with the team once he completes the programme of his father’s funeral this weekend," Wasike said on Wednesday.

Wasike, on behalf of the federation, sent a message of condolence to Kisaka, who is the deputy treasurer in the federation, saying volleyball fraternity was with him at this difficult moment.

At the same time, Panari Hotel has organised a luncheon for the team on Thursday at 12pm. Wasike said EP Cussons will also use the opportunity to donate beauty products to the team at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Brazilian star Jaqueline Carvalho is in doubt for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup 2011 after a head injury at the Pan American Games has potentially ruled her out for six to eight weeks according to coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes.

Carvalho suffered a concussion when she collided with libero Fabi Oliveira as both dived to save a ball during Brazil’s opening match against Dominican Republic. She was carried off the court on a stretcher while Fabi stayed in the game.

"Carvalho is back in Sao Paulo, Brazil in good spirits and resting for six to eight weeks by recommendation of the doctors," Guimaraes said. "After that, she will be back training."

Guimaraes allied fears by adding that she returned home to Brazil to be with her family and there are no further complications regarding her condition.

"We have been in contact with her and she is following the development of the competition here and rooting for the team," Guimaraes said. "There is no concern from our side."

Carvalho is married to Murilo Endres, Most Valuable Player of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2010 in Italy.