Malkia Strikers headcoach Japheth Munala is braced for a difficult match as the national women’s volleyball team tackle Poland in their second Group B match at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The match coming two days after a false start against Brazil on Monday will be played at the same venue, South Paris Arena Wednesday night 10 pm local time.
Fresh from their 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-12) defeat to the South American giants and two-time Olympic champions Brazil, the reigning African queens will be aiming to bag their first-ever win at the games while hoping to register a much-improved performance.
“This is a learning curve for most of these players, but I was impressed with how they carried themselves on the court against Brazil," Munala said.
"We understand Poland is one of the tournament’s favourite and we will try to bring the game to us, but with the video analysis we have done, the girls are upto the task,” he added.
Eight players in the tactician's ranks will be making their first-ever appearance at the games including captain Trizah Atuka.
Other debutants are Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Loice Simiyu, Belinda Barasa, Juliana Namutira, Veronica Adhiambo and Pamela Adhiambo.
However, Munala believes the team can improve on their performance against the Poland.
“We are confident of putting up a good show tonight,” Munala affirmed.
Kenya, who currently sit last in Group B at the global showpiece, will face another indomitable rivals Japan on Saturday, August 3 at 2pm local time.
Kenya is currently ranked 20th in the latest world rankings, while their rivals Poland are the third best country in Europe and on Sunday secured a 3-1 victory over Japan.
Top two teams from each of the three groups in the 12-team competition and two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals.