The National Volleyball Champions KCB trio Juliana Namutira, Esther Mutinda, and Belinda Barasa are set to make their Olympic debut this year as they head to France for the 2024 Paris Olympics games that will kick off on July 26th.

Notably, the three played a crucial role at the club level during the 2023/2024 Kenya Volleyball Federation National League title defence, sealing the victory for the Lionesses, who clinched the coveted title for the second time in a row.

Juliana and Esther's heroics earned them the titles of Most Valuable Player and Best Setter of the Tournament, respectively, catalysing their call-up for national duty. The two were feted alongside Mariam Musa, who was named the Best Outside Hitter in the league. Mariam did not make the cut to national duty.

Also joining them are seasoned players and Assistant Captain Edith Wisa and Sharon Chepchumba. Sharon returned to the KCB Squad after a stint abroad and has been able to shake off a knee injury that almost threatened her participation in the tournament.

“This is my first time at the Olympics, and I am ready to live the experience. The club games with KCB, including the Africa Club Championship experience, have been crucial in building my confidence and also sharpening my skill, and I believe I am ready to take on our opponents from across the world.” Juliana Namutira noted.

As captain, Edith Wisa also expressed her confidence in the squad, stating that it has what it takes to win a medal for the country.

“We have been drawn from different teams both locally and across the world, and this composition has the edge to carry the flag high. We just have to fight as a team, take on each opponent at a time and make sure to go as high as possible in this competition.” Wisa added

Lincy Jeruto, a household name on the KCB volleyball team, will join the team for the two-week high-performance pre-Olympics training camp in Miramas but will jet back to the country when the team proceeds to the Olympic village.

KCB Head Coach Japheth Munala will be in charge of the ladies as the Head Coach of the Malkia Strikers.

“We have had a very competitive selection process for the players, and I believe that the one we have settled on is capable of leading us to glory. We have some who will be featuring for the first time in the Olympics and another squad who have already set foot on the competitive stage. The blend is important, and we hope for the best.” Munala said.

The Malkia Strikers are in the same pool alongside Brazil, Japan and Poland.