By Kamadi Amata

Celebrated Malkia Strikers’ setter Jane Wacu has finally retired from national team duties to focus on her club career and coaching.

Wacu, 37, has featured for Malkia strikers for the last 16 years during which time she participated in the Olympic Games, World Cup, World Championships, African Cup of Nations, All Africa Games, and African Club Championship among others.

The Nyeri native, who was named best setter during the African Cup of Nations qualifiers 2014 in Nairobi, did duty for Kenya Prisons between 2007-2013.

Wacu said the decision to retire is long overdue as she wants to create space for the many young setters coming through the ranks. She challenged the likes of Emmaculate Nekesa, Faith Imodia and Esther Mutinda to come out of their comfort zones and push themselves to the limit in order to hit dizzying heights.

“I have decided to bring the curtains down on my national career though it has been a tough decision to make. I have had the opportunity to don the national colours and serve the country with distinction. So I quit with my head high, ” Wacu who plays for Anse Royale club in Seychelles highlighted.

“I have done Level One coaching course. Currently, I am handling the Junior boys team in Sychelles. I also work with a kids’ football team. At the moment, I don’t want to specialise, I want to weigh my options before settling on one field.”

“The future is bright and the rebuilding process is shaping up. It’s not about age. The setting is about playing regularly and enhancing your skills on a daily basis because experience comes with playing.”

“I don’t want to block their progress. I would like to see them enjoy their careers as I have done. I want to see them becoming regulars in the national squad. Nekesa for me has everything. She listens and has the hunger to succeed.”

In a parting shot, she said: “I have achieved all that I wanted. I don’t regret anything. I have fought to be where I am today. Malkia will always have a special place in my heart.”