The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has officially announced the technical and management team for the national Women’s Under-20 Volleyball Team ahead of the 2025 CAVB U20 Women’s African Nations Championship, scheduled to take place from August 2 to 12 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The appointments were confirmed following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 20. Former KCB middle blocker Jackline Barasa has been named Head Coach, marking a significant step in her coaching career. She will be assisted by experienced tactician Luka Kariuki.
Also appointed to the bench is Bala Conceptor, who will serve as the team’s physiotherapist, while Kenneth Tonui has been designated as Team Manager. KVF Secretary General Ismail Chege will lead the delegation to Cameroon in a dual role as Head of Delegation.
The Kenyan U20 squad will consist of 23 players drawn from clubs and learning institutions across the country. The team will also include one internationally certified referee.
Preparations for the tournament are set to kick off on Tuesday, July 22, at Nyayo Stadium, where the players will enter a residential training camp. This will be a crucial phase as the team works to build cohesion, fine-tune tactics, and improve overall performance ahead of the continental showdown.
This year’s championship carries additional significance as it will serve as the African qualifier for the 2026 FIVB U21 Women’s World Championship. With qualification on the line, the Kenyan side will be looking to improve on its 2024 performance, where they finished fourth after losing to Tunisia in the semifinals in straight sets and falling 3-1 to Algeria in the third-place playoff.
Speaking during the announcement, KVF Secretary General Ismail Chege expressed confidence in the newly appointed technical team, saying: “We believe in the leadership and expertise of this bench. Our goal is to see better results and ensure Kenya qualifies for the global stage.”
As the countdown to the championship begins, all eyes now turn to Nyayo Stadium, where the country’s next generation of volleyball talent begins its journey toward continental and global success.
Written By Rodney Mbua
