• “If we prepare well, serve and receive like we did against Poland, we can pull an upset against Japan,” said Munala.
• He hopes to unleash the hard-hitting Sharon Chepchumba against the Japanese.
Image: KELLY AYODI
Malkia Strikers are keen to finish their Group B campaign in style when they face Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Saturday.
The national women's volleyball team went down 3-0 to Poland on Wednesday night, their second defeat after succumbing to Brazil in sets of 25-14, 25-13 and 25-12 in Monday's opener.
The African Queens are still chasing their first set at the Olympic Games even though they made history by going past the 15-point mark while losing 25-14, 25-17, 25-15 to Poland, one of the tournament's favourites, at the South Paris Arena.
Coach Japheth Munala is impressed with his charges, citing improvement from his young side, where he handed eight players their Olympic debuts.
However, he has warned against complacency. Instead, he wants them to build on Wednesday's display.
“If we prepare well, serve and receive as we did against Poland, we can pull an upset against Japan,” said Munala.
“The girls played their hearts out and as per instructions. They did what we told them after watching and analysing Poland’s videos. We need to carry the morale and energy into the next match."
He couldn't help but wax lyrical about Pamela Adhiambo, who terrorised the Poles with 'super strikes' and who is Kenya's best in Paris. She scored seven points against Brazil and doubled her tally against Poland.
“It will be difficult to replace Pamela. She is one of our best players in Paris. I doubt I can risk benching her. She has improved game after game and I hope to see her wreak havoc against Japan," said Munala.
He hopes to unleash the hard-hitting Sharon Chepchumba against the Japanese. The powerful attacker missed the first two matches through injury.
In another development, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) technical director, Paul Bitok backed Munala, saying there is marked improvement.
He said for the team to take the game to the next level, they need more exposure by engaging in several friendly matches. " I am glad we performed the way we did against Poland," he said.
He said experience is also key and they will need more professionals in the team to compete against the best.
" Currently we only have two professionals —Cumba and Veronica Adhiambo. I am told Pamela Adhiambo had landed a professional deal in Finland and this is a good deal," he added.
He said the good thing is that Malkia boosts a lot of young players and they are ready to learn from the best in the world.
Image: NOCK