The Kenya U20 Women’s Volleyball team was officially flagged off on Friday by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya ahead of their departure to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for the 2025 African U20 Championship, set to run from August 3 to 12. The event also doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 FIVB World Championships.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, CS Mvurya reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting youth in sports, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the global stage. “We have supported the team and we will continue to do so. As a government, we hope you qualify for the World Championships,” he said.
Head coach Jackline Barasa will lead the 12-member squad into a competitive tournament featuring top African teams including hosts Cameroon, Egypt, Uganda, Burundi, Morocco, and Senegal.
Kenya Volleyball Federation Technical Director Paul Bitok emphasized the long-term vision behind the campaign, pointing out that Kenya last qualified for the U20 World Championships in 2008. “This is a long-term project, and our plan is that this team represents us at the 2028 Olympics,” said Bitok.
The squad features standout players such as Kenya Cup MVP Terry Maline Tata, with talent drawn from top local clubs like Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Prisons, alongside rising stars from secondary schools. The team has undergone three weeks of residential training.
Team representative Daisy Chepkirui expressed optimism ahead of the tournament. “We are ready to beat any side. It’s our first national assignment for most of us, and we are psyched up. We have no pressure, we just want to win the title,” she said.
Coach Barasa praised the team’s adaptability, noting early challenges in merging players from varied backgrounds due to school schedules. “It was a challenge to get the girls to blend, but I’m glad we managed to gel in time,” she said.
Seven nations have confirmed participation, with the top three teams earning qualification to the 2026 World Championships.
Kenya U20 Women’s Volleyball Squad:
- Sheila Khasandi
- Isabellah Nafula
- Sharon Jepkogei Arusei
- Mary Nanjala
- Eddah Jepkemei
- Benta Akoth Oluoch
- Daisy Chepkirui Sirisia
- Sharon Ruth Omondi
- Terry Maline Tata
- Daisy Chepleting
- Milka Akinyi Apuoyo
- Patricia Chemtai
