Malkia Strikers have ramped up Olympic Games preparations as they face Puerto Rico in a 2024 Challenger Cup match in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday.
Japan-based Kenyan coach Godfrey Okumu has tipped the national team to give a good account of themselves with eyes on the Paris Olympic Games.
“Playing at an elite level will be a good boost for Malkia ahead of the Olympics. They need a strong backcourt defence and this tournament will help them finetune that,” said Okumu.
Malkia Strikers, Africa’s sole representative at the Paris target improvement from the Tokyo games, where they bowed out in the preliminary stage, without winning a set.
The travelling squad comprise Agripina Kundu and Linzy Jeruto (liberos); Sharon Chepchumba, Loice Simiyu and Pamela Adhiambo (opposite hitters); Veronica Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira, Jemimah Siang’u, Leonida Kasaya, Meldina Sande (outside hitters); Immaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda (setters); captain Triza Atuka, assistant captain Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa and Lorine Chebet (middle blockers).
Mercy Iminza (DCI), left attacker Miriam Musa (KCB) and libero Delphine Misoki (Kenya Prison) were dropped.
The team is under the tutelage of coach Japheth Munala, assisted by Josp Barasa and Godfrey Okumu. Janet Wanja is the team trainer while Paul Bitok is in Manila as technical director.
Besides the Challenger Cup, they will also play a few friendly matches before the Olympics. They play Galaries Tower High Risers Club of Philippines and a local men’s side. They are also negotiating to play Argentina and Vietnam before the Paris Games.
Munala described the team as strong despite the absence of seasoned captain Mercy Moim. In Paris, Malkia Strikers have been grouped in Pool ‘B’ alongside Brazil, Poland and Japan.
In other matches at the Challenger Cup, Belgium will play Sweden tomorrow while Friday has matches pitting the Czech Republic against Argentina while hosts the Philippines have a date with Vietnam.
The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday with the final set for Sunday.
