Captain - Brackcides Khadambi
Brackcides Khadambi starred in Kenya’s recent breakthrough victory in the World Grand Prix. She was the team’s best spiker and second-best scorer as they won Group 3 in only their second appearance in the competition. Her top level experience dates back to 2006 when she made her World Championship debut as Kenya finished 21st, and she was in the team four years later when Kenya again finished 21st. This will be her second appearance in the World Cup. She was a member of the team that finished 12th in 2011, and in the same year won bronze at the All-Africa Games. The middle blocker has also starred at club level, being named Most Valuable Player and Best Blocker at the African Club Championship in 2010 and 2013. She plays for Kenya Prisons and has had spells in France during her career.
She graduated in law from the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and her ambition is to play at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Star Player - Mercy Moim
Mercy Moim inspired Kenya to a surprise victory in Group 3 of the 2015 World Grand Prix. She was the top scorer in the team and second top scorer overall in Group 3, and she scored 22 points in the 3-1 victory of Peru in the final. The victory followed on from the success of winning gold at the 2015 African Championships, her second successive victory in the tournament. Previously she had been part of Kenya teams that finished third at the 2007 and 2011 All Africa Games, and 21st at the 2010 World Championships. She will make her second World Cup appearance here in Japan after representing Kenya at the 2011 edition, when they finished 12th.
In 2013 the outside hitter was named Sportsperson of the Year at the Magharibi Michezo Awards, designed to honour the best athletes from Western Kenya.
At club level she spent a hugely successful 2014/15 season playing in Finland. She was named Most Valuable Player and Best Scorer in the Finish Liiga, but chose to re-sign for Kenya Prisons for this season.
