Kenyan international Meldinah Sande has been appointed captain of the Malkia Strikers ahead of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, set to take place from August 22 to September 7 in Thailand.
She will be assisted by kenya Pipeline’s veteran middle blocker Gladys Ekaru.
Meldinah, who was recently crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Rwandan National Volleyball League 2024–2025 with Rwanda Police Volleyball club continues to shine on both club and international stages.
The 28-year-old earned the armband following a stellar debut professional season in Rwanda, where she moved last year after a decorated six-year stint with Kenya Prisons.
Her return to the national team setup comes after being part of the squad during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she was an unused substitute. She had last featured actively for the Malkia Strikers at the 2022 FIVB World Championships in the Netherlands.
Her assistant Gladys Ekaru, who plays for National League champions Kenya Pipeline, brings a wealth of experience to the deputy role. The seasoned middle blocker recently made a comeback to the national team and has been a mainstay for both club and country.
The duo replace former captains Triza Atuka (Kenya Pipeline) and Edith Wisa (KCB), who have been left out of the newly restructured Malkia Strikers squad.
Malkia Strikers are currently in camp preparing for the global showpiece, which will be hosted across four Thai cities: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Kenya has been drawn in Pool G alongside Germany, Poland, and Vietnam.
Before the tournament, the team will participate in a one-week international tournament in Vietnam, which will serve as their final phase of preparation.
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