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New Malkia Strikers coach Omondi relishes challenge

Geoffrey Omondi

Kenya Pipeline coach Geoffrey Omondi gives instructions during their training session at Nyayo National Stadium on November 20, 2024. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

By  John Kimwere

Contributor

What you need to know:

  • Despite missing out on the national team job, Munala extended his support to Omondi. 
  • “I personally have no grudge against coach Omondi, and it is good for him to show his skills,” he said. “I am ready to take charge of Malkia Strikers if I am appointed next time,” Munala added. 

Newly appointed national women’s volleyball team head coach, Geoffrey Omondi, has acknowledged the challenge ahead as he prepares to select players for the FIVB Volleyball World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7.

Omondi, who was named new Malkia Strikers coach on Saturday after winning an interview conducted by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) executive committee, says he is experienced for the task, having served as national men’s team (Wafalme Stars) head coach in 2015.

His appointment marks a historic shift, as it is the first time KVF has used an interview process to select a national team coach.

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“I know Kenya can do well in the World Cup, but we will have to work hard in training and study our opponents in the group,” Omondi stated yesterday. 

“Early preparations will also help us alot,”  Omondi, 46, added. 

Omondi emphasised that the selection process will start by evaluating players competing in the upcoming Women’s Africa Club Championship (CAVB) in Nigeria.

“We cannot select the national team from three clubs; we will also look at players from other clubs when we return to the country, he said.

Omondi, who also serves as Kenya Pipeline women’s head coach, will be assisted by Esther Chepkosgei (Kenya Pipeline) and David Muthui (KCB). Azenga Mavisi will serve as Physical Trainer.

The quartet will guide Malkia Strikers through the World Cup, after which the KVF executive committee will determine their long-term future with the team.

Omondi secured the role after defeating former coach Japheth Munala (KCB), Catherine Mabwi (Mpesa Foundation) and Nairobi Water women’s coach John Mwaniki in the selection process, where five coaches had initially applied.

KDF men’s coach Elisha Aliwa, who had also applied, did not make the shortlist as he does not hold a FIVB Level Two coaching certificate.

Omondi took over as Kenya Pipeline coach following the dismissal of Paul Gitau at the start of the season. Under his leadership, Pipeline have dominated the KVF League and are unbeaten with one fixture left against the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

They finished as runners-up in the Zone Five  tournament in Uganda after losing to Rwanda's Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) in the final. Additionally, they fell to KCB in the semi-finals of the Kipchumba Karori International tournament in Eldoret.

Despite missing out on the national team job, Munala extended his support to Omondi. 

“I personally have no grudge against coach Omondi, and it is good for him to show his skills,” he said. “I am ready to take charge of Malkia Strikers if I am appointed next time,” Munala added. 

jkimwere@gmail.com