Malkia Strikers: From Sprints To Volleyball, How Ekaru Has Scaled The Heights To Be A Proud Olympian
Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline Company player Gladys Ekaru during a media roundtable meeting held on Tuesday at a Nairobi Hotel. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
The skipper, who recently led KPC to a third-place finish in the Africa women’s volleyball clubs showdown in Cairo says she is confident to retain the domestic trophy with her side in the national league season expected to end later this month.
NAIROBI, Kenya- When Gladys Ekaru was introduced to volleyball for the first time in 2016 back home in Trans Nzoia by a neighbor called Lydia Lelei, never did she know the lofty heights the sport would take her.
She is not only a proud Olympian now, but also the fantastic captain for Kenya Volleyball Federation women’s defending champions Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) that she also recently led to a third-place finish at the Africa women’s club championships in Cairo, Egypt.
The flawless middle blocker is also the assistant captain for national team Malkia Strikers that she has travelled with far and wide, including plying trade for Kenya at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where she battled other formidable forces including Serbia, South Korea, Dominican Republic and Brazil.
“I thank Lydia for noticing my potential. I was so green when she spotted me. I knew nothing about volleyball. I could not even handle a ball,” the former 400m sprinter told Standard Sports.
“Through Lydia, I managed to get a scholarship at Kwanthanze Secondary School in Machakos, the same year, where I met veteran tactician Justin Kigwari who took me through paces- he taught me how to handle the ball, serve, receive and keep my fitness at top level,” Ekaru recalls.
“I don’t regret choosing volleyball as a career, the game has given me immense potential, it has taken me to far places like Brazil, Turkey, Serbia among others. I have travelled the world over.”
The 26-year-old middle blocker says personal discipline, hard work and consistency is what has helped her to maintain top frequency in the sport.
Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline Company players Gladys Ekaru, Noel Murambi and head KPC head coach Geoffrey Omondi during a media roundtable meeting held on Tuesday at a Nairobi Hotel. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
“I ensure that I train well before games. I focus on proper diet to help my body to function well, I also guard my mind from other external limitations to keep clear focus.
“Ahead of any match, I listen to soothing gospel music for motivation. If I’m playing in the domestic league, I prepare a delicious meal the day before where I dine with my son and my husband. This gives me inspiration ahead of the battle ahead in the court,” says Ekaru.
As a captain for domestic champions KPC and an assistant skipper for national team Malkia Strikers, Ekaru concurs that it’s not an easy task to manage different characters and personalities in the squads.
“Sometimes you have to use emotional intelligence when handling your teammates to win.
“I mostly take a personal approach when tackling issues. It’s not easy but in most cases it works. Nonetheless I feel really honored to lead the two top sides in the country,” she said.
While highlighting what it takes to be a flawless middle blocker like her, Ekaru who stands at 6 ft 4 inches, notes that this is a tough role that needs one to be solid on the court.
“You have to be well composed in the field of play. You have to be keen with your movements, and as you time for the blocks. All in all, you must have a passion for the game,” she says.
The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) College plumbing student attributes her rise and success since joining Malkia Strikers in 2019 to skills and experiences imparted to her by prolific players like former captain Mercy Moim and Noel Murambi who has had stints with clubs aboard including in Cyprus.
“They taught me the art of discipline, they told me that the only way to rise in the sport is to be teachable.This is what has kept me in check and fully on the right track.
Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline Company players Gladys Ekaru, Noel Murambi and head KPC head coach Geoffrey Omondi during a media roundtable meeting held on Tuesday at a Nairobi Hotel. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
“Featuring for the national side has given me great exposure. I have travelled a lot. I have made new friends. I have learnt a lot of things in life. Being part of the national team has fueled my passion to go far and beyond in the game.”
Because of her love for Turkish national team middle blocker Zehra Gunes who features for VakifBank Istanbul, Ekaru’s dream is to play professional volleyball in Turkey, apart from her desire to win an Olympic medal.
As she prepares to steer KPC in the KVF League that returns to Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on June 11, Ekaru says they are working on their reception, service, blocks and court coordination.
“We are sharpening these tactics because we have two enemies ahead of us- KCB Bank and DCI. If we defeat them then we will definitely retain the league.
“As a captain, my desire is to lift another trophy with KPC, that’s why we are working and doing our homework well so we cruise over other sides in the Nyayo Stadium showpiece.
Gladys Ekaru At A Glance
Age: 26
Club: Kenya Pipeline Company
Position: Middle Blocker
Height: 6ft 4 inch (192cm)
Jersey number: 12
Home: Trans Nzoia
Mother: 1 boy
High School: Kwanthanze Secondary
College: NITA (Plumbing course)
Previous sport: Athletics (400m sprinter)
Accolade: Olympian
Captain: KPC
Assistant Captain: Malkia Strikers.
