Malkia Strikers’ New Libero Pair Ready to Prove Their Worth at African Championship

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers head into the 2026 CAVB African Women’s Nations Championship with a new-look libero department, but captain Meldina Sande believes the team has enough quality and determination to overcome the challenge.

The championship will be held from August 23 to September 5 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex, with Kenya looking to defend the continental title won in Cameroon in 2023.

The absence of experienced libero Celestine Nyongesa, who is recovering from a hand injury sustained during this year’s African Clubs Championship in Egypt, has opened the door for Josephine Kataa and Sharon Shakakhola Arusei.

Kataa, who plays for KCB Women’s Volleyball Team, and Arusei of Kenya Pipeline are both stepping into the senior national team spotlight at a crucial moment.

The pair are not completely new to high-level competition. Both featured for their respective clubs at the African Clubs Championship in Egypt earlier this year, while Arusei also represented Kenya at the Under-20 African Nations Championship in Cameroon last year.

For Sande, their relative lack of experience with Malkia Strikers could actually become an advantage.

“The two liberos are new in the team and that makes it even interesting because our opponents don’t know anything about them, which can work for or against us.”

Sande, who plays for Rwanda National Police in Rwanda, says she has been impressed by the progress the two players have made during training.

“They have shown growth and confidence in the training and I’m optimistic that they will deliver. It’s their golden chance to show their worth.”

While acknowledging the gap left by Nyongesa, the Malkia Strikers captain remains confident in the rest of the squad.

According to Sande, most of the other departments have players who are familiar with the demands of international competition, giving Kenya a solid foundation going into the tournament.

“While we don’t have experience in the libero position, I’m happy that the remaining departments have regular players and therefore we remain positive of a better ending.”

Pressure on the hosts

Playing at home comes with its own expectations, particularly for the defending champions.

Kenya will not only have the support of the home crowd but will also carry the pressure of trying to retain the continental crown.

Sande admits the responsibility is significant, but insists the team understands what is expected.

“The pressure that comes with being the host is on another level. We have no choice but to step up.”

She says preparations have generally progressed well despite a few challenges behind the scenes.

The players, however, are hoping that outstanding allowances from the Federation and the Ministry of Sports will be addressed so that they can concentrate fully on the competition.

“The training is going on well despite few hiccups here and there, but we are hopeful that the Federation and the Ministry of Sports will avail our allowance so that the players can settle and focus on the event.”

A chance for Kataa and Arusei

With Nyongesa unavailable, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Kataa and Arusei.

For two players making their first appearance at this level with the senior national team, the tournament represents more than just another assignment. It is an opportunity to establish themselves as reliable options for Malkia Strikers.

Kenya’s campaign begins with the added motivation of defending the title on home soil. If the new libero pairing can settle quickly and the experienced players around them deliver, Malkia Strikers will hope to turn the pressure of hosting the championship into an advantage.

For Kataa and Arusei, the message from their captain is clear: the opportunity is theirs, and now they have to make it count.