Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala expects a tough outing at the 2024 Paris Olympics after landing powerhouses Brazil, Poland and Japan in Group 'B'.
“These are powerhouses—Japan, Poland and Brazil,” said Munala. “I am, however, not familiar with Poland. I will look them up and study their style of play.”
Despite facing tricky opponents, Munala is determined to make a strong impression.
“They will have a feel of Africa. Our presence must be felt. We will make sure we leave a mark,” he asserted.
“We will target to top the pool as we seek to proceed to the next stage,” he said.
Group 'A' features hosts France, the USA, China and Serbia while Group 'C' has Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic.
Malkia Strikers are in residential training at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, for the July 1-7 Challenger Cup in the Philippines. The Olympics schedule in Paris runs between July 27 and August 11.
"At the moment, our main focus is the Challenger Cup," said the seasoned coach.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Volleyball Federation national league's most valuable player, left-attacker Juliana Namutira, is keen to leave a mark on her Olympic debut.
“Being named MVP at the playoffs was an honour and a huge confidence boost for me,” said Namutira, of KCB.
“It validated the hard work and dedication I've put into my game. This recognition has motivated me as I prepare for the Olympics.”
At a personal level: "My wish is to perform consistently at a high level and help my team go deep into the competition. My biggest motivation is this chance to represent my country on the global stage. The thought of competing against the best in the world pushes me to give my all in training."
Consistency and versatility were key factors in earning the MVP title.
“I focused on maintaining a high level of play both offensively and defensively. That balance helped me stand out. A great future awaits,” she explained.
However, she wants to improve on some aspects of her play including service, receiving and defensive positioning.
“I'm working on my speed and accuracy in attack,” she added.
“I'm working closely with our setters (Esther Mutinda and Immaculate Nekesa) to ensure we have a strong connection and can execute quick, effective attacks. Communication with the setter is key. We constantly discuss and practice different plays to optimise our timing and precision."
Like Munala, she anticipates a challenging outing in Paris.
“We will face teams with diverse playing styles. We're preparing by studying their strategies and adapting our game plan accordingly,” she noted.
Balancing physical and mental preparation is essential.
“I incorporate meditation into my routine to stay mentally sharp and focused,” she shared.
“I use visualisation techniques and positive affirmations to stay calm under pressure. Focusing on one point at a time helps me stay grounded.”
As an MVP, Namutira aims to lead by example.
“I encourage my teammates, celebrate their successes and offer support when they're struggling. It's about creating a positive and motivating environment,” she explained.
Her advice to younger players is straightforward: “Stay dedicated and patient. Success doesn’t come overnight but with hard work and perseverance.”
Namutira highlights key lessons and memorable moments she picked in the league playoffs.
“The playoffs taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Each game presented different challenges and learning to adjust quickly was crucial,” she said. “My memorable moment was scoring the winning point in the final match (against Kenya Prisons). The elation and pride I felt in that moment is something I carry with me as motivation.”
Former Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim and current assistant skipper have been supportive.
“The two have been my biggest support system. Their belief in me and constant encouragement have been invaluable,” Namutira said.
Meanwhile, the national beach volleyball team departed on Monday for the CAVB Continental Cup-cum-Paris Olympic Games qualifiers on June 20-23 in Martil, Morocco.