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Malkia Strikers will be without experienced setter Janet Wanja for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers slated set for January 3 to 10 in Cameroon next year. 

Wanja was due to link up with the team last Sunday at their residential camp at Kasarani Stadium but was unable to, due to personal commitments.

In her absence, long-serving setter Jane Wacu will lead the department with Kenya Prison’s Joy Lusenaka and Kenya Pipeline’s youngster Esther Mutinda up for selection.

“I would like to announce that the team will miss the services of our vastly experienced and veteran setter Janet Wanja due to personal commitments. The team and I are very thankful for Wanja’s services all through.

Coupled with her experience, she is always very committed, smart and a natural leader,” a statement released by head coach Paul Bitok yesterday morning read in part.

It added: “Wanja remains one of the best and experienced setters Kenya has ever had. As a contingency, Wacu, Esther and Joy, who play in a similar position, will be mooted to fill her shoes for this upcoming qualifiers.

I have a lot of confidence that the players and rest of the team will put in essential effort while Wanja is away.” 

The tactician has further urged Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to register youth and junior players for future CAVB/FIVB competitions so as to allow for smooth transition and succession of senior team players.

Wacu, who has partnered with Wanja in the position for more than a decade terms her absence a big blow. 

“Having played alongside Wanja since joining the national team, I always thought we would partner in every competition and even retire together.

This, coupled with Triza Atuka’s absence is a big blow. The qualifiers will not be easy. This, however is a chance for the young players to prove their mettle.” said Wacu. 

Lusenaka did duty for the nation team in the 2015 All Africa Games as Malkia Strikers won the title. Mutinda, who has been under the wings of Wanja at club level, was instrumental in her club’s podium finish at this year’s Africa Club Championship.