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Foreign-based duo Enock Mogeni and Peter Kamara have been included in the men’s national team Wafalme Stars squad for the 2024 All Africa Games scheduled for Accra, Ghana, from March 8 to 23.

According to the list of 21 players released by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Charles Nyaberi, Mogeni, who turns out for Al Ahli of Qatar, and Kamara, who features for Olympique de Kelibia of Tunisia, headlined the squad that will be handled by head coach Gideon Tarus. Both Mogeni and Kamara are making a comeback to the squad having missed the African Games Zone Five qualifiers held last month in Egypt.

Other foreign-based players making the team include Abiud Chirchir, who turns out for Damac in Saudi Arabia, and Simon Kipkorir, who plays for Mouloudia Boussalem in Tunisia, Just like Mogeni and Kamara, Chirchir and Kipkorir, are also making a return to the squad having missed the tournament in Cairo, where Wafalme Stars finished second behind the North Africans.

The provisional squad unveiled will see 21 players fight it out for the final 12 slots. Others in the squad include liberos James Mutero and Hudson Kipchumba, setters, Brian Melly, Kelvin Kipkosgei, and Gregory Kiplimo, middle blockers; Brian Kamonde, Wilson Cheruiyot, Levis Ogutu, Shadrack Misiko, and George Okore.

“We are thrilled to have our foreign-based quartet back in the squad after they missed the trip to Egypt and their presence will be a great boost to the team as we want to do well at the African Games in Ghana,” said Nyaberi, adding: “We want to support the team so they can have good preparations and as KVF we will be available for any help they need.”

The announcement of the men’s squad came a day after KVF also released the women’s Malkia Strikers squad for the tournament with regulars Sharon Chepchumba and Veronica Adhiambo missing out yet again. Some of the players making the squad unveiled by coach Japeth Munala include Mercy Iminza, who made her debut with the national side in Egypt, and Loise Simiyu, and Pamela Adhiambo. Captain Mercy Moim kept her place in the squad the same as vice-captain Trizah Atuka, Edith Wisa, Leonida Kasaya, Lorine Chebet, and Agrippina Kundu.

Meanwhile, several winners were feted with cash awards after the conclusion of the Arthur Odera Open volleyball tournament held over the weekend. In the schools and college category for the girls, Kesogon emerged as the winners and were followed by Bishop Sulumeti while in the Boys’ category, Sikri College won followed by Andersen.

In the Self women’s category, Busia were declared winners and walked home with a cash price of Sh20,000, while in the men’s category, KNH won the title and Sh20, 000 while Scorpion finished second to pocket Sh10,000. In the senior men, KPC were declared winners to pocket Sh100,000, Kenya Prisons finished second to pocket Sh60,, 000 while third-placed Nairobi Prisons walked away with Sh40,000.