Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok believes the expansion of the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships teams from 24 to 32 will be benefit Malkia Strikers.
The tournament is set for August 22 to September 7 in Thailand. Kenya faces Poland, Germany and Vietnam in Group ‘G’.
“The increase from 24 to 32 teams works to our advantage,” Bitok said. “It gives us leeway, especially since we’ve gained experience from the Challenger Cup and the Olympics. If we work hard, we have the capability to reach at least the second round.”
Bitok, a former coach of the national women’s team believes Kenya can go toe-to-toe with Poland this time round. Bitok revealed that Vietnam are also within reach, given their 2-2 results in a friendly tournament in 2003.
“They have invited us for a friendly alongside South Korea, which will be valuable preparation.”
Malkia Strikers previously faced Vietnam in last year’s Challenger Cup in France, before the Paris Olympics.
Poland, who are two-time European champions, swept Kenya 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) in the Paris Games last August, having also won in straight sets (25-18, 25-10, 25-14) during their 2016 encounter.
Meanwhile, Germany handed Kenya a 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-8) defeat in their opening match of the 2011 World Cup.
Bitok said training is expected to start in July, subject to government approval. “We have presented our plea to the ministry and look forward to a positive response. By then, the Kenya Cup will have concluded and this will give us ample time to prepare.”
He pointed to blending young and senior players in the upcoming squad, emphasising on the longterm goal.
“The next Olympics qualification is based on ranking and that remains our focus.”
The group stage will take place across four Thai cities—Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai—with the top two teams from each pool, along with the two best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout rounds.
From the Round of 16, all matches will be played in Bangkok, culminating in a single-elimination battle for the championship.
