Janet Wanja: From setter to mentor, Malkia Strikers gain volleyball legend

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VOLLEYBALL Janet Wanja: From setter to mentor, Malkia Strikers gain volleyball legend

Festus Chuma 14:00 - 02.12.2023

Volleyball icon Janet Wanja adds unparalleled expertise and inspiration to Malkia Strikers' technical bench, enhancing their prospects.

Former national women’s volleyball team setter Janet Wanja has joined the Malkia Strikers' technical bench in a significant move within the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF).

This development comes as the team gears up for the rescheduled East African Community Games, scheduled to take place from January 29th to February 5th, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Wanja's inclusion in the coaching setup, working alongside Head Coach Japheth Munala and Assistant Coach Josp Barasa, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the squad.

"We’re happy for Wanja to be in the team after she served as a player for many years with many achievements. The squad will benefit massively from her, especially in the setting position where she has unmatched experience. 

More retired players will join the technical bench because we want to build a formidable squad, and former players are key in this process," said KVF Secretary General Ismael Chege as per Citizen Digital.

The 39-year-old Wanja is no stranger to success in the world of volleyball.

She was a pivotal part of the team that achieved a historic victory at the FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 in Australia in 2015.

Her remarkable journey includes representing Kenya at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Wanja's club career saw her play for KCB from 2004 to 2005 before she made a move to Pipeline, where she continued to showcase her talent until 2019.

Beyond her contributions on the court, Wanja has been serving as a fitness trainer at the Kenya Pipeline Company, further solidifying her commitment to the sport.

During her playing years with the national team, Wanja left an indelible mark, becoming the poster lady of the squad with numerous achievements.

She secured five Africa Nations Championships, three All-African Games titles, and the World Grand Prix title in 2025—an unprecedented accomplishment for an African team. 

Additionally, she made five appearances at the World Championships, cementing her legacy as one of the African Queens.

Wanja's invaluable experience as a celebrated former player is expected to bring a fresh perspective and invaluable insights to the Malkia Strikers' training regimen.

Her presence on the technical bench aims to fortify the team's pursuit of excellence in the upcoming East African Community Games in Kigali, Rwanda.

In a parallel development within Kenyan volleyball, the highly regarded Emmaculate Nekesa has made a significant transfer move from KCB Ladies Volleyball Club to the former champions Kenya Pipeline.

The 20-year-old, renowned as Africa's best setter during her remarkable stint with Malkia Strikers, joins Kenya Pipeline in preparation for the highly anticipated second leg of the 2023/24 season, which is set to take place this week in Eldoret.

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