In a bold shake-up that has stunned fans and sparked national debate, new Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi has axed several senior players, including captain Mercy Moim and libero Agripina Kundu, from the squad heading to the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships slated to serve off on August 22 through September 7, 2025, in Thailand.  

The new tactician who recently led Kenya Pipeline to a national league title has opted to travel to Thailand with young stars, omitting the experienced players.

The selection has caused jitters among Kenya’s volleyball enthusiasts, with some questioning the criteria used in axing the long-serving players, while others have praised the seemingly tough decision to begin a new era for the beloved Malkia Strikers.

Big chunk dropped

Almost half of the team that represented Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been dropped by the new technical bench.

For instance, only Emmaculate Nekesa of Kenya Pipeline survived in the released provisional squad for setters.

Fridah Boke (KCB), Morcleen Okoko (Prisons), Vivian Vuguza (DCI) and Vallery Chepkoech (DCI) have received their maiden call-ups following their exploits at the just-concluded Kenya Volleyball Federation Women’s playoffs.

Besides Boke, six more KCB players also received a call-up, including Marlene Tata, Juliana Namutira, Belinda Barasa, Deborah Jesang, Pauline Chemutai and Shirleen Maywa.

Kenya Pipeline’s experienced libero Agripina Kundu is missing from the squad, with coach Omondi selecting youngsters Celestine Nyongesa, Dolphine Misoki, Sharleen Maywa, Sharon Sandui and Peninah Wafula.

Banking on remnants

In the absence of the exiled veterans, Malkia Strikers will depend heavily on the Paris Olympics remnants: Veronica Adhiambo, who plays for GS Panionios in Greece; Pamela Adhiambo, who plays professionally in Finland; Kenya Pipeline captain Glady Ekaru; KCB’s Juliana “Bulldozer” Namutira; and Prisons’ Lorine Kari.

Ahead of the global showpiece in the Asian nation, the team is set to head to camp this weekend. Kenya has been pooled in Group G alongside Poland, Germany, and Vietnam.

This will be the first major outing for coach Geoffrey Omondi, who replaced Japheth Munala earlier this year.

The World Championships also serve as a qualifier for Olympic points, meaning Malkia Strikers have a huge task ahead as they aim to give a strong showing.