Kenya name seven new faces in final Africa Netball Cup men's squad, final women list also out

Kenya’s national men’s netball team, the Net Kings, will head into the Africa Netball Cup with seven new faces after coach Peter Oloo named his final 15-man squad on September 13.

The squad has been selected for the continental championship, which Kenya will host in Nairobi from September 19-26 at the Kasarani Annex (men's tournament) and Kasarani Indoor Arena (women's competition).

Oloo has retained a core of experienced players as he seeks to improve on Kenya’s fourth-place finish at last year’s championship. The Net Kings narrowly lost to eventual champions South Africa in the semi-final before suffering another agonising defeat, going down by a single goal to Eswatini in the bronze-medal match.

The new players in the final squad are Eugene Mungao, Edwin Kiama, Edward Mutie, Lewis Otieno, Cliff Ogolla, Paul Onyango and Gideon Moseti, all of whom will be making their Africa Netball Cup debut.

The Net Kings will face a strong international field in Nairobi, comprising South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Botswana and Malawi, raising the stakes for the hosts as they bid to improve on last year’s campaign.

Oloo believes his charges are ready for the challenge after an intensive build-up.

“We are very ready for the championship. We have done enough preparations and the team is very much ready. We are just doing some fine tuning to make sure no stone is left unturned,” said Oloo.

The coach has opted for a balanced squad, with the attacking department led by Christovin Juma, Victor Mbithi, Mungao and Francis Wachira, while the centre and wing-defence positions feature a mix of experience and fresh talent.

Julius Karanja, who can also operate at centre, will provide defensive leadership alongside Chester Kioko and Isaac Langat. The squad also includes first-timers Onyango and Moseti in the defensive department.

John Ochuka misses out after picking up an injury, while Kelvin Mutuku was also dropped as Oloo settled on his final selection.

The women's final squad is also out with Kenya's only foreign-based player Lydia Nyapere from Makate High Flyers in  Zimbabwe, Hellen Sinoya from Kenya Ports Authority and fast-rising Deborah Ogot among the players the hosts will bank on for goals. Divas, who are coached by Evelyn Jerono, will be captained by evergreen Parin Simiyu from Prisons Staff Training College. The two Kenyan technical benches have been boosted by the services of former Zimbabwe men and women national teams head coach Tapiwa Chirenda on a temporary basis until after the championship which doubles as a World Cup qualifier for women.

With home advantage and the memory of last year’s narrow losses still fresh, the Net Kings will be looking to turn those fine margins in their favour when the continental action gets underway in Nairobi on September 19.

NET KINGS FINAL SQUAD ( 2026)

1.Christovin Juma-GA/GS
2.Victor Mbithi-GA/GS
3.Eugene Mungao-GA/GS (First time)
4.Francis Wachira-GA/GS
5.Edwin Kiama-C/WA (First time)
6.Edward Mutie-C/WA (First time)
7.Lewis Otieno-C/WA (First time)
8.Stanley Benaiya-C/WA
9.Cliff ogolla-C/WA/WD (First time)
10.Oscar Lyambila-C/WA
11.Julius Karanja (Captain)-WD/GD/GK
12.Chester Kioko-GD/GK
13.Isaac Langat-GD/GK
14.Paul Onyango-GD/GK (First time)
15.Gideon Moseti-GD/GK (First time)

KENYA DIVAS FINAL SQUAD (2026):

Shooters - Lydia Nyapere, Lucy Akumu, Hellen Sinoya, Dorine Akinyi, Deborah Ogot;

Mid court - Irene Otieno, Miriam Wamani, Shanita Wesonga, Vivian Omogi, Nelly Grace Mohammed, Winfred Oyugi;

Defence - Parin Simiyu, Ramadhan Pauline, Jackline Auro, Teresa Othuon.