HUNT CONTINUES

Adhiambo still hopeful despite Malkia's loss to Brazil

"We are hoping for a better performance against Poland," she said.

In Summary
  • Kenya's best tally on Monday was 14 points in the first set, which droppped by a point in each of the other two.
  • Adhiambo said criticism is always there when they lose but they'll let nothing derail their ambitions.
Kenya's Pamela Adhiambo in action against Brazil at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Kenya's Pamela Adhiambo in action against Brazil at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Image: NOCK

Malkia Strikers attacker Pamela Adhiambo is expecting an improved performance when they battle Poland in their second match of the 2024 Paris Olympics at the South Paris Arena Wednesday night.

Adhiambo was Kenya's best performer with seven points in Monday's straight sets (25-14 25-13, 25-12) defeat to Brazil.

"We are hoping for a better performance against Poland," she said.

Monday's defeat gives her hope of clinching a set in the upcoming two matches, with Japan lying in wait for a showdown on August 3.

"Going by Monday's performance, I believe we have improved greatly and we can only target more," she said.

"We must improve our point collection."

Kenya's best tally on Monday was 14 points in the first set, which droppped by a point in each of the other two.

"Getting 14 points against Brazil shows we have improved," she said.

Meanwhile, Adhiambo said criticism is always there when they lose but they'll let nothing derail their ambitions.

"We always have negativity whenever we lose but we are looking at the positive side, not falling under 10 points. All we need is to work harder and storm a set and, eventually, a set," she said.

Adhiambo expects a continuation of their impressive reception against Brazil.

"Kenya is normally known for weak reception but we outdid ourselves - against Brazil," she said.

At a personal level, Adhiambo is elated to make her Olympic debut even though it went south in the opener.

She is one of six Olympic debutants in Munala's line against Brazil, alongside Esther Mutinda, Belinda Barasa, Loice Simiyu and Juliana Namutira.

"It's my first time playing creme de la creme volleyball at the Olympics and I don't take for granted. I am going to do my best and improve," she said.

This will be the second match between the two sides. Poland dominated the only encounter in straight sets of 25-18, 25-10 and 25-14 in a 2016 World Grand Prix Division One preliminary encounter.