• "Playing at these championships comes with a lot of opportunities. I know a lot of people have been scouting and we hope our players will secure clubs here in Europe or which will improve the national team," Atuka added.
• Meanwhile, Atuka narrated how they missed Chepchumba's experience after the hard-hitting attacker was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Image: HANDOUT
Despite failing to achieve their target of winning a set at the Paris Olympic Games, Malkia Strikers skipper Trizah Atuka said they have learnt their lessons.
Kenya fell 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-12) to Japan in their final Pool 'B' preliminary match on Saturday to add onto straight sets defeats to Brazil and Poland.
"We tried our best. Our pool wasn't easy since they (Brazil, Poland and Japan) are ranked higher than us," said Atuka.
"We couldn't progress but came out with some lessons. It was a good opportunity for us. It was an Olympic debut for most of the players too."
"We fought hard, especially in the second. Had we won it, maybe we could have changed the outcome of the match," added Atuka.
All is not lost, however.
"Playing at these championships comes with a lot of opportunities. I know a lot of people have been scouting and we hope our players will secure clubs here in Europe or which will improve the national team," Atuka added.
"We have already seen it with Chumba (Sharon Chepchumba) and Vero (Veronicah Adhiambo). We need that experience in the team," she noted.
They are a young bunch of players and Atuka believes this works for them going into future events.
She said: "We need to keep playing these matches, against good teams."
Meanwhile, Atuka narrated how they missed Chepchumba's experience after the hard-hitting attacker was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
"We missed Chumba. We have seen what she has done before. She was with the team during the qualifiers and the Challenger Cup, where she played a big role," said Atuka.
"She would have added experience she has gained while playing pro volleyball abroad," she added.
Assistant coach Josp Barasa said: "We came to compete and ended up learning valuable lessons."
He blamed a lack of concentration for their failure to snatch the second set against Japan.
"We almost won the second set but we lost concentration, thus losing it 25-22. They played well despite being a young team," he said.
"It's a concern that we are yet to win a set (at the Olympics) but with good preparations and regular competitions, we will," he said:
Barasa said they lost to the better team.
"Japan were very tactical. Their setter was tricky. She wasn't playing the six we are used to. She kept changing to three. Maybe we need to work on our tactical skills in the future," Barasa revealed.
"We also need to beef up our bench. Most of the teams here have almost 10 (coaches and analysts) but we are just three (alongside coach Japheth Munala and trainer, Janet Wanja). Playing regularly at the top level is the only way to close the gap," he observed.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya president Paul Tergat, Chef de mission Shadrack Maluki and Parliamentary Sports Committee chairman Dan Wanyama commended Malkia Strikers for what was a historic outing.
"It is the first time the team has gone past the 20-point mark. I thank the girls for their efforts in representing Africa at the Games," said Wanyama a former national volleyball team, Wafalme, captain.
"We must purpose to prepare our teams adequately, which is possible following the introduction of the Sports Fund."
"Preparations for Los Angeles 2028 must start now since these Malkia players have age on their side."
Tergat was said he is "proud" of the African queens' efforts and expects this to inspire more team sports to fight for a stab at future Olympics.
He said: "Well done to the team. They have given their best even though they couldn't make it to the next round."
"We are encouraging more teams to qualify for these Games. The future is great."
He expects them to keep grinding within the next Olympic cycle.Maluki added: "This is a young team that can do a lot with proper support. We (Nock) will support them, alongside Shujaa, as we look forward to Los Angeles 2028."
Meanwhile, he called on Kenyans in Paris to support the rest of Team Kenya, saying: "We are going to see a lot. The Olympics, being the pinnacle of sports, is tough but I want to encourage our athletes to take us to the podium."
"As the CDM, I have a lot of faith in our athletes to deliver in the remaining competitions."