“You can put down your tools, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pick them up again.”

These were the words of Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi to one of Kenya’s volleyball icons, Brackcides ‘Blackie’ Agala.

Nyaberi shared these sentiments while unveiling the logo for the Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, which will take place from August 23 to September 3 this year at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

The talented middle blocker and outside hitter brought the curtain down on her two-and-a-half-decade playing career, during which she captained Kenya Prisons women’s team and the national team, the Malkia Strikers, from 2009 to 2016.

The senior sergeant at Kenya Prisons, who is also the KVF athlete representative, was introduced alongside the Malkia Strikers squad of 26 players preparing for the continental championship.

Nyaberi announced that Agala will be the team’s tactician for the championship, as she transitions into coaching.

The mother of four holds an FIVB Level Two coaching certificate.

“Agala is one of the most versatile and extremely talented players that Africa has produced. She was one of our best attackers and defenders,” said Nyaberi. “We welcome her to the team to help develop these young players.”

Also Read: Ageless Brackcides Agala spurs Prisons to KVF Women’s National League final

The Lugulu Girls Secondary School alumna captained the Malkia Strikers team to four Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship titles, as well as to the historic 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Group III victory.

She also captained Kenya Prisons to four Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship victories, as well as several league titles.

The pinnacle of her career came when she partnered with Gaudencia Makokha to represent Kenya in beach volleyball at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021, as well as at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

“The time has finally come. Thank you, Lord, for the journey; it has been good,” the 42-year-old wrote on social media after playing for Kenya Prisons at the Kenya Cup, where they finished fourth on July 28.

Agala played a key role in guiding Kenya Prisons to the KVF Women’s National League final, where they lost to Kenya Pipeline in a 2–1 series.

“My passion for the game and my hunger to perform is what kept me going,” said Agala, adding that she could not afford to wilt when the team needed her most. “When a coach puts you in at the crucial moment, they trust you, and you can’t let them or the team down.”

Agala said she always took to the court for her four children, especially when they were there to watch her play. Brandon Lujesi is 26, Sharleen Museshi is 23, Angela Shivikwa is 21, and Ariela Thatcher is 8.

Arguably one of the most inspirational leaders and most decorated players to have played African volleyball, Agala developed her skills at Lugulu Girls from 1999 to 2003.

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She started playing volleyball at the Kahawa Garrison military base before legendary Lugulu Girls coach David Nabibia spotted her talent and recruited her to attend the school.

After completing her studies at Lugulu Girls in 2003, Agala was scouted by KCB, a move that propelled her into high-level volleyball. She then joined the Administration Police, before Kenya Prisons signed her in 2006.

Agala won the Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship with Prisons in 2008, and went on to captain the team to four consecutive continental title wins from 2010 to 2013. This was the last time Prisons lifted the continental club title.

Japanese coach Sadatoshi Sugawara drafted the towering figure into the national team for the first time in 2007, ahead of the World Cup in Japan, after watching her train with Kenya Prisons ahead of the Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship.

Agala won the Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship four times, three of which were as team captain in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

She went on to make three World Cup and three World Championship appearances, as well as featuring at the World Club Championship.

She has received numerous accolades from the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), including National League and African Clubs Championship titles, as well as the African Nations Championship.

In 2010, Agala was conferred with the Head of State Commendation in the Military Division. She had a successful professional career in Turkey and France. She played for Pursaklar Belediyespor in Turkey in the 2009/10 season and for VBC Chamalières in France from 2014 to 2016. Agala attributes her success in the national team to the legendary Dorcas Ndasaba.

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