Munala among five battling for Malkia Strikers head coach position

The vacancy for the head coach role of Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Striker, has attracted five local coaches including current head coach Japheth Munala, following an open call by Kenya Volleyball Federation last month.
Interviews for the head coach, two assistant head coach and a physical trainer slot will be conducted on 15 February.
Others vying for the top seat in the technical bench includes Geoffrey Omondi- Kenya Pipeline women’s coach, Elisha Aliwa- men’s national team, Wafalme, and Kenya Defence Forces men’s coach, Cathrine Mabwi- FIVB Coaches Commission and John Mwaniki- Nairobi Water women’s coach.
To qualify for the head coach role, candidates must have at least an FIVB Level II Coaching Certificate. A proven coaching record, availability for team activities and international volleyball trends knowledge.
Nine candidates have applied for the two assistant coach slots. To qualify the requirements includes FIVB Level I Coaching Course Certificate. The candidates include; Josep Barasa-the current assistant coach, Jackline Barasa- KDF women’s coach, David Muthui- KCB assistant coach, Vernon Khayinga, Samuel Mugata, Marvin Tuikong, Esther Ouna, Esther Jepkosgei and Margaret Indakala.
The physical trainer position has attracted five candidates among them Sally Wanjala, Azenga Mavisi, Jeremiah Mukopi. Chema Steel and Emma Kondo.
The first assignment for the new technical bench- set to be announced on 28 February- will be the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships slated for 22 August through 7 September in Thailand.
The outgoing technical bench comprised of head coach Munala, assistant coach Barasa and the late Janet Wanja as the physical trainer. The team led Malkia to the Paris24 Olympics where Kenya finished third in pool ‘B’.