Meldina Sande has been named the Malkia Strikers’ captain ahead of the FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand.
The competition will run from Friday, August 22, 2025, to Monday, September 7.
Sande will be assisted by Gladys Ekaru, who plies her trade with Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club.
“Kenyan star Meldina Sande will captain the Malkia Strikers at the FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand (Aug 22 – Sept 7), with Gladys Ekaru as her assistant,” a statement from Malkia Strikers confirmed.
Sande succeeds Trizaa Atuka for the championship games. The pair has been in the team’s leadership roles since 2014, with Atuka captaining the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Sande, who is the books of Rwanda’s Police VC, will be eyeing similar tidings wit the national team as the record African champions and 2023 CAVB Africa Women’s Nations Cup seek to extend their fine run in the global games.
The former Queens star enjoyed a splendid stint with Rwandan volleyball club, Police VC. She was crowned the Rwanda League Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the best attacker.
She is part of a star-studded team unveiled by coach Geoffrey Omondi on Monday, June 9, 2025, as Kenya’s journey for the World Championship started.
The squad includes setters Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC), Fridah Boke (KCB), Marcleen Okoko (PRISONS), Vivian Vuguzza (DCI), and Vallarie Chepkoech (KDF).
Middle blockers are Gladys Ekaru (KPC), Belinda Barasa (KCB), Lorine Kaei (PRISONS), Lydia Emokol (KPC), Elizabeth Sokoiyo (KPC), and Pauline Chemutai (KCB).
Liberos are Celestine Nyongesa (KPC), Delphine Misoki (PRISONS), Sharleen Maywa (KCB), Sharon Sandui (PRISONS), and Peninah Wafula (DCI).
Outside hitters include Mariam Musa (KPC), Daisy Leting (KPC), Veronichah Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira (KCB), Pauline Itoo (PRISONS), Sarah Namisi (DCI), Meldina Sande (POLICE RWA), and Valentine Chemutai (P. BANK).
Opposites are Loice Simiyu (KPC), Pamela Adhiambo, Marlyn Tata (KCB), Deborah Jesang (KCB), and Mercy Iminza (DCI).
Geoffrey Omondi will lead the team’s technical bench with assistant coaches David Muthui and Esther Jepkosgei.
Kenya boasts a rich volleyball history, winning the Women’s African Volleyball Championship 10 times since the 1990s and qualifying for the Olympics in 2000, 2004, 2020, and 2024. Their 2023 title win against Egypt secured their 2025 spot, despite past challenges like financial disputes.
The ladies have been pooled in Group G against Poland, Germany, & Vietnam.
