Stand up Wanyama, you're back in the Malkia Strikers squad

Kenya volleyball women team libero Elizabeth Wanyama reacts during their training session at Kasarani Indoor Arena on August 24, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego

Elizabeth Wanyama, who is one of the most experienced liberos in Kenya, is back in the fold as national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, gets ready for the Africa Nations Championships in Rwanda from next week.

The squad of 14 players will depart for Kigali on Friday for the continental championships.

Kenya, who are the record African champions with nine titles, will be seeking to dethrone Cameroon who beat them 3-2 in the 2019 final in Cairo, Egypt.

Wanyama returns to the squad after she was dropped from the Tokyo Olympics squad. Also named in the team are Veronica Adhiambo, Yvonne Sinaida and Esther Mutinda. The trio is part of the new generation being trained by head coach Paul Bitok.

“After the Olympics competitions, we need to start the journey of building a new generation of young players,” said Bitok, who will be returning to Rwanda where he coached for close to a decade before returning to Kenya in 2019.

Mutinda filled in the void left by Jane Wacu, the first choice setter while Veronica Adhiambo replaced Noel Murambi.

Wacu, who was part of the Olympic squad, is nursing an injury, same as the KCB right attacker-Noel Murambi.

Bitok will be under pressure, both from the local Rwandan fans. But even with three new faces, the tactician is upbeat of a positive result amidst the transition period even as he calls for team unity.

Kenya last won this title in 2015.