Preps hit top gear as Malkia Strikers eye unprecedented 11th African title

The national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers, have ramped up their training at the Kasarani Indoor Arena as head coach Geoffrey Omondi put the last stitches to assemble a side that will retain the CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship on home soil.

The squad's rigorous sessions have focused on refining tactical execution, serving, attacking, reception, blocking, and defensive transitions ahead of the continental showpiece.

Defending champions Malkia Strikers are gunning for a record-extending 11th African crown in the 16-team championship that serves off from August 23 to September 5 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Omondi expressed full confidence in the team's readiness, highlighting the squad's high morale and determination to perform on home soil.

“We have trained so hard for the tournament and so far I believe the squad is on the right track, players have shown a positive spirit for the tournament and I can confidently say that they are ready for it.”

The seasoned coach also praised the team's newer additions, commending their quick adaptation and eager mindset.

“I think the new players who will feature in the tournament have showcased a wonderful attitude so far, they have received the challenge and tackled it well so I see them making a huge impact in the tournament.”

Facing stiff competition including powerhouses Cameroon and 14 other qualified nations, the head coach remains optimistic about maintaining Kenya's dominance in African volleyball.

“I believe that this team will make us proud, the training they have involved themselves with is proving that they can fight for the silverware and successfully achieve it,” he said.

The Malkia Strikers enter as reigning champions, having swept Egypt 3-0 in the 2023 final in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to capture their 10th continental trophy.

The tourney doubles as a critical qualification pathway for both the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, team captain Meldina Sande says that despite the libero position lacking experienced players, she is optimistic that the two picked players will rise to the occasion.

The two liberos that will do duty for the country in the area are Josephine Kataa of KCB and Sharon ‘Shakakhola’ Arusei who turns up for league champions Kenya Pipeline.

The two featured for their respective clubs in the African Clubs Championship in Egypt early this year, before Arusei also turned up for Kenya Under-20 women’s team in the African Nations Championship in Cameroon last year.

Kataa and Arusei made it to the Malkia Strikers squad in their first time of asking after first choice Celestine Nyongesa was sidelined with a hand injury she picked during this year’s African Clubs Championship in Egypt.

Nyongesa was part of the team that competed at the last year’s FIVB World Championship in Thailand.

“The two liberos are new in the team and that makes it even interesting because our opponents don’t know anything about them which can work for or against us. They have shown growth and confidence in the training and I’m optimistic that they will deliver. It’s their golden chance to show their worth,” said Sande.

“While we don’t have experience in the libero position, I’m happy that the remaining departments, have regular players and therefore we remain positive of a better ending.”

The outside hitter also acknowledged that the stakes were high ahead of the event saying they have no choice but to defend the title they won in Cameroon in 2023 if they are to get the sole Olympics ticket reserved for Africa.

“The pressure that comes with being the host is on another level. We have no choice but to step up. The training is going on well despite few hiccups here and there but we are hopeful that the Federation and the Ministry of Sports will avail our allowance so that the players can settle and focus on the event,” said Sande who plays for Rwanda National Police in Rwanda.