Following the departure of veteran liberos Agripina Kundu and Elizabeth Wanyama, the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, found itself in a difficult position.

The back court requires nimble players who can think quickly and innovatively, and who can neutralise attacks through good reception, passing and digging out tricky shots.

Paul Bitok, the deputy president of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), notes clubs and the national team have always struggled with their back-row defence, particularly reception.

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However, the country seems to have found the missing link in 19-year-old Josephine Kataa, who is set to make her international debut with the Malkia Strikers at the Women’s Africa Nations Volleyball Championship, which starts on Monday at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

KCB player Kataa and Sharon ‘Shakahola’ Arusei of Kenya Pipeline have been tasked with steering Malkia Strikers to victory in their title defence as liberos.

The continental championships will also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“In my career, I have never had a libero who can receive like Kataa. We usually have defensive liberos, but Kataa is unique. She has stabilised our reception and eased the pressure,” said Bitok, the former Malkia Strikers coach and current KCB women’s volleyball team technical director.

“Those are rare qualities, and with Kataa combining with Meldina Sande, Veronica Adhiambo and the rest in attack, Malkia will be unbeatable.”

He predicts that Kataa, the former Kwanthanze High School libero, will play for many years if she maintains her discipline.

“She will be our key player at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and beyond,” he added.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi noted that Kataa is hard-working. “I have watched her play in our domestic league and the Africa Club Championship, and she is a perfect fit. She is swift in ball control, and her determination and hunger to save points is simply phenomenal,” he said.

He believes that the departure of key players was a setback for the team, but the young players are learning the ropes quickly.

“Fifty per cent of our team were young players from school at the beginning of last year, but the foundation is getting stronger. Nobody is born knowing how to play, but anybody can learn.

Although Kataa had always dreamed of playing for Malkia Strikers since taking up volleyball in Standard Six in 2018, being selected for the continental championship came as a surprise.

“I knew I was good, but I didn’t think I would be picked over experienced liberos who were also up for selection,” said Kataa. “I was stunned, but I’ve adjusted.

“I realised it’s about what you can do, not your experience.”

Kataa said now is the time to repay the confidence and trust that the national team’s technical staff have placed in her by performing well at the event.

“There is a lot at stake being at home. There is no fear or pressure. We must fight for our country. The Olympics are a big deal, and we have the opportunity to compete at home,” she said, adding that, aside from playing at the LA Olympics in 2028, her ultimate dream is to play professionally in the USA or Europe — especially in Turkey.

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It was her former teacher, Joseph Siala, at Kyatune Primary School in Kitui County who first noticed her volleyball talent, before her coach at Kwanthanze High School, Justin Kigwari, took over to further hone her skills.

“I owe it to Kigwari, who changed my position from hitter to libero while in Form One. He is one of the most incredible coaches I have ever encountered,” she said. “He was patient with me and made me what I am today.”

Despite her Eastern Region losing 3-0 to Rift Valley in the final, Kataa was named the best attacker during the 2018 Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) national games.

In 2022, Kataa led Kwanthanze to a historic hat-trick with victories at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), the Regional Secondary Schools, and the Africa Schools tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

“I shall forever remember that year… winning three titles wasn’t easy. That is when I knew my volleyball star was on the rise,” said Kataa, who then guided Kwanthanze to back-to-back regional titles in 2023 and 2025, as well as KSSSA titles in 2023 and 2025.

In December last year, KCB acquired her services, finishing third in the KVF Women’s National League this year and claiming silver medals at the Kenya Cup and the Women’s African Volleyball Clubs Championship, respectively.

Kataa was born on 20 November 2006 in Kitui County to Joshua Kilatya and Jackline Nzoki. She is the second-born and the only girl among two boys.

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