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Kathmandu, August 18 – Kathmandu Spikers have announced the signing of Italian volleyball player Oumaima kodadd for the upcoming Vatsalya Everest Women's Volleyball League (EWVL). kodadd becomes the third foreign signing for the team as it aims to build a strong and balanced squad for the second edition of the league.

Kodadd, a seasoned middle blocker who can also play as an opposite hitter, joins Bulgarian setter Nekova Nikolaeva and Kazakhstani opposite hitter Alena Kolotygina as the foreign trio representing the Spikers this season.

Born in Morocco, Kodadd moved to Italy where she began her professional volleyball career. She has played in multiple countries including Italy, France, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. She previously represented clubs like Al Ittihad FC (Saudi Arabia), Amane Marrakech (Morocco), and Sirdec Pescara (Italy).

Kodadd also brings international experience, having won a bronze medal at the 2019 African Games and again at the 2021 African Women’s Volleyball Championship in Kigali as part of the Moroccan national team.

This will be her first time playing in Nepal, and she expressed her excitement about joining the league.

“It is an honor for me to play in the Everest Women’s Volleyball League in Nepal. It will be my first time in the country, and I’m really looking forward to learning about Nepal, meeting the fans, and giving my best on the court,” Kodadd said.

She also praised the league's role in developing women's volleyball in the region:

“It’s amazing to witness the second edition of this league. It’s not only important for athletes, but also a significant step forward for the development of women’s volleyball in Asia. I’m happy to be part of it and can’t wait to share this journey with fans and teammates.”

With Kodadd’s arrival, the Kathmandu Spikers now have 11 players, with one more expected to join from the talent hunt program. The team had earlier retained star spiker Usha Bhandari as their marquee player and acquired seven more players through the league’s auction: Manisha Chaudhary, Yamuna Rasailee, Rima Kunwar, Balmika Acharya, Kamala Pun, Ashika Kshetri, and Bhuvaneshwori Chand. Kamala Pun is returning for a second season with the team.

Lok Bahadur Budha has been appointed as the head coach for this season. Kathmandu Spikers finished third in the inaugural season and are aiming for a stronger finish this year.

The second edition of the EWVL, organized by Infinity Dreams, will be held from September 5 to 13 (Bhadra 20–28).

Kathmandu Spikers Team Roster:

• Marquee Player: Usha Bhandari

• Auctioned Players: Manisha Chaudhary, Yamuna Rasailee, Rima Kunwar, Balmika Acharya, Kamala Pun, Ashika Kshetri, Bhuvaneshwori Chand

• Foreign Players: Oumayma Kodadd (Italy), Nekova Nikolaeva (Bulgaria), Alena Kolotygina (Kazakhstan)

• Head Coach: Lok Bahadur Budha

• Goodwill Ambassador: Aditi Budhathoki