Who will be the next Malkia Strikers coach?

The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) executive committee will meet on Saturday, March 29 to review recommendations from the selection panel before deciding on the next head coach for the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers.

The panel conducted interviews on March 21 in Nairobi, with four candidates shortlisted for the role. Among them is the current Malkia Strikers coach, Japheth Munala, who is seeking to retain his position.

Also in contention are former international and International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) instructor, Catherine Mabwi, Kenya Pipeline women’s coach Geoffrey Omondi, and Nairobi Water women’s coach John Mwaniki.

Kenya Defence Forces men's coach, Elisha Aliwa, who had also applied for the job, did not make the shortlist as he does not hold a FIVB Level Two Coaching certificate.

KVF Deputy President Paul Bitok confirmed that the executive meeting would determine whether the new technical bench will be announced immediately or at a later date.

“The executive has a meeting on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium, and it’s in that meeting that we will go through the recommendations and decide whether to announce the Malkia Strikers technical bench or postpone the announcement to a later date,” said Bitok.

Mabwi, who holds a FIVB Level Three Coaching certificate, believes she has the expertise to lead Malkia Strikers and is hopeful about her chances.

“I think the first thing to prove that you want to be a coach is to show interest. I took the time to apply for the job, gave my all during the interview, and whatever the outcome, at least I was considered,” said Mabwi, 58, a former player at Lugulu Girls High School, and the now-defunct Posta Kenya team.

She expressed confidence that her experience as a player and coach—including her current role at M-Pesa Foundation Academy—has prepared her well for the job.

“If selected, I will be the first woman in Kenya to be a head coach for Malkia Strikers. That would be a milestone and a win for women in the country. It will lay a foundation for the next generation and serve as a stepping stone for other women in coaching,” she added.

Munala, who has led the team in recent years, expressed his willingness to continue if selected.

“I have served the team the best way I know how, and if given the chance, I am ready to continue and pick up from where I left. I am a firm believer in transition, and I look forward to guiding other coaches so that when the time is right, I will exit,” said Munala, who, alongside coach David Lung’aho, guided Kenya to a historic 2015 Grand Prix Group Three victory in Australia.

Both Omondi and Mwaniki said they would respect the outcome of the interview process.

The selected coach will immediately begin preparations for the upcoming World Championship in Thailand this August.

Meanwhile, Marvin Tuikong, Samuel Mugata, David Muthui, Joseph Barasa, Esther Chepkosgei, Vernon Khayinga, and Jackline Barasa are in contention for two assistant coaching positions.

For the trainer’s role, Sally Wanjala, Jeremiah Mukopi, and Azenga Mavisi were scheduled for interviews.