After recovering from a knee injury that forced her to miss the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League play-offs in June, KCB Women’s Volleyball Team fast-rising opposite hitter Deborah Jesang says she is back and ready to muscle for a place in the National women’s volleyballMalkia Strikers team.
Deborah, 21, who racked-up the best opposite attacker award during the African Clubs Championship early this year in Egypt, didn’t have the chance to extend her fine form at play-offs as she picked the injury in training that led her to be sidelined for six months.
The former Kesogon Secondary School player from Trans Nzoia County was ruled out of action for before she made her return to action over the weekend during the Governor Mwalimu Kahiga Volleyball Tournament at the Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri.
Although KCB failed to proceed to the final after they lost to rivals Kenya Prisons 3-0 in the semifinal, Jesang reckons she is back,better and here to conquer.
“It was inspiring that in my debut at the African Clubs Championship in 2024, I won the individual award. That shows that I have capabilities of becoming a most sought after player not only in the league but also internationally. This however will not be achieved if I will not put in the work. I want to work hard not only for my club but also to join national team.I’m aware of the competition in the Malkia Strikers and that’s the beauty of it,” said the soft spoken Jesang.
“I want to turn professional and my dream country is Japan. I would love to play in Japanese League.Now that I’m availablefor selection in the League, my intentions will be to help my club to perform well and hopefully defend the League title. We did not perform well at the clubs championship and we hope to improve on our performance next year, ” she added..
KCB placed fourth in the event that saw Zamalek from Egypt win the title.
Should Jesang earn a call up to the National team provisional squad ahead of the next year’s World Championshop in Thailand , she will jostle for slots against Sharon Chepchumba, much-improved Pamela Adhiambo, Loice Simiyu and Mercy Iminza.
Jesang who hails from Uasin Gishu County in Burnt Forest village and born from a family of 10 , picked up the sport while in form Two.
“I come from non sporting family save for my brother (Hesbon Kipruto) and I. During school holidays,I accompanied my brother to one of the local tournaments. I watched him play and I loved the way the sport was being played. From there, I grew interest and when we reported back to school, I joined the volleyball team. It was not easy learning the sport but i believe the urge to know more made me to learn the game fast,” narrates Jesanga.
“My current club coach Japheth Munala used to come to our school to train us and through his guidance, i was able to be drafted in the school team.In 2022, we qualified for the National Secondary School Games before we proceeded to East Africa Secondary School Games in Tanzania.We lost to Kesogon in both events. The following year,we had a good run and at nationals we defeated Kesogon 3-1 before they turned the tables against us at the regional games. But at the Nationals I was voted the Most Valuable Player a development that made coach Munala scout me to play for KCB once I cleared school,” she added.
Jesang joined KCB in 2024 and made it to the starting line up.
Jesang looks up to experienced National team outside hitter Mercy Moim who has stood the test of time as she continue to conquer the volleyball courts.
“Luckly, i have the pleasure of playing alongside her in the club and im really learning alot from her. I can only hope for the best. I intend to join university next year to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration,” Jesang concludes.
