Legendary Kenyan volleyball player Jane Wacu has called it time with the Malka Strikers.

The 37-year-old decorated setter leaves the national side after 16 years having graced the Olympic Games, World Cup, World Championships, African Cup of Nations, All Africa Games, and African Club Championship among others.

Malkia Strikers

Wacu retires at time when Malkia Strikers is set to leave the country on Saturday for a two-month training camp in São Paulo, Brazil in readiness for the World Championships scheduled for September 23 to October 15 in Netherlands and Poland.

“I wish the team all the best. Take the advantage of the chance and prosper. I would love to see you grow and do better than I did,” said Wacu, who arrived in the country on Sunday from Seychelles.

Wacu currently plays for Anse Royale club in Seychelles and said the decision to retire is long overdue as she wants to create space for the many young setters coming through the ranks.

“I have decided to bring the curtains down on my national career though it has been a tough decision to make.  I have had the opportunity to don the national colours and serve the country with distinction. So, I quit with my head high, ” said Wacu.

“The future is bright and the rebuilding process is shaping up. It’s not about age. The setting is about playing regularly and enhancing your skills on a daily basis because experience comes with playing.”

“I don’t want to block their progress. I would like to see them enjoy their careers as I have done. I want to see them becoming regulars in the national squad. Nekesa for me has everything. She listens and has the hunger to succeed.” Added Wacu.

Jane Wacu

The veteran Malkia Strikers setter began her career in 2005. when she turned up for Kenya Pipeline.

Born in Nyeri, Wacu was later named best setter during the African Cup of Nations qualifiers 2014 in Nairobi. Wacu then signed for Kenya Prisons between 2007-2013.

She became a fans’ favourite and a key cog both for the Wardresses and Malkia Strikers.

Her vintage performance earned her a dream move to France where she played for VBC Chamalieres for one year.

Wacu is also getting her coaching skills sharpened in Seychelles and is definitely not shy of training the next breed of African volleyball stars.

“I have done a Level One coaching course. Currently, I am handling the Junior boys’ team in Seychelles. I also work with a kids’ football team. At the moment, I don’t want to specialise, I want to weigh my options before settling on one field,” explained Wacu.

A true gem in Kenya’s volleyball fraternity will truly be missed.