Photo courtesyThe absence of center blocker Ruth Jepng’etich is being felt as the national women’s team prepare for two key assignments in the next one month.The team is expected to take part in the World Olympic qualifier later this in Puerto Rico and Grand Prix Group 2 early next month in Argentina.
Jengetich who is recuperating was ranked 7th best blocker during the last year’s World Cup held in Japan.Head coach David Lung’aho admitted that they will greatly miss the services of Jepng’etich, who is currently recovering.“Jepng’etich was a key player during the last year’s events and it’s sad she will not be part of the team this time round but I believe the other players will be equal to the task ahead,” said the tactician.
In her absence Brackcidise Agala, Triza Atuka and Edith Wisa are expected rise to the game and fly the country’s flag high.Meanwhile, Pipeline women’s volleyball team duo of Aggripina Kundu and Violet Makuto will make their debut in this year’s World Grand Prix Group 2.
The two were not part of the team that won the overall event during the World Grand Prix Group 3 event last year in Australia, earning promotion to play in Group 2. Kenya will come up against Dominic Republic, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Kundu, who was feted the 2014 Kenya Volleyball Federation libero of the year replaced the regular national team and Kenya Prisons player Elizabeth Wanyama, while the inclusion of left-handed Makuto saw the lanky Prisons player Lydia Maiyo being sidelined.
In an interview, Makuto who is fresh from being named the best middle blocker of the recently concluded women’s Africa Club Championship in Tunisia, said she is happy not only to make the cut but also to be granted a chance to play against the top ranked nations in the world.
“I have played against top African teams in other events but I haven’t played in World Grand Prix event and for sure, I am indebted to the technical bench for the gesture. I look forward to the tournament and I hope to give it my best shot,” said Makuto, who is a sibling to the former most sought after national team player Asha Makuto and the reigning Africa Cup of Nations Most Valuable Player Evelyne Makuto.
Makuto, however will have to fight for a starting position against Esther Wangeci, who recently completed a contract with French side Chamalieres.
Kundu on her part noted she has been work in progress. She said, “I was playing a right attacker while playing for KCB but I switched to libero position after joining Kenya Pipeline, thanks to my coach Japheth Munala.”