Malkia Strikers hope win against Vietnam can serve as launching pad

Despite dominating the African scene with a record ten titles under their name, Malkia Strikers have always been reduced to guests at a rich man’s party against world beaters in the World Championships.

The Kenyan lasses on Wednesday swat aside Vietnam with a huge uppercut of 3-0 sets (25-23, 25-22, 25-18) to claim their only third victory in seven appearances at the World Championship.

They needed just two wins to make history as the first African team to advance to the second round of the quadrennial championship but fell short following two consecutive losses to Germany (3-0) and Poland (3-1) in the other Group ‘G’ preliminary matches.

Sande, a left attacker who plies her trade with Rwandese side Police Volleyball Club, hailed Vietnam triumph and a set victory in Poland defeat, as further proof that the youthful squad is capable of challenging for world  honours.

“We came as underdogs but we’ve proved to everyone that Kenya can sit on the same table with giants. We hope the Vietnam win can act as a launch pad for greater things. We want to start to believe that we can beat the so-called world-beaters.

“The one set win against Poland was very crucial because that is a highly ranked team globally,” she said.

Kenya defeated Kazakhstan 3-0 sets in 2018 to register their maiden World Volleyball Championship win in Japan, under the tutelage of former head coach Japheth Munala, and another similar win against Cameroon in the 2022 edition held in the Netherlands.

Against Vietnam, outside hitter Veronica Oluoch kept her pre-match promise, exploding to a game-high 19 points as Kenya sealed the convincing straight sets win.

As Oluoch punished the unranked Vietnamese lasses with missiles from attack, middle blocker Belinda Barasa also found her footing, adding 13 points in the onslaught.

Thi Quyhn was the only Vietnam player hitting double digits, with 12 points.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi lauded the players, saying every department worked in unison, even as he challenged the young squad to stay focused as Kenya seeks to qualify for third consecutive Olympic Games in Los Angeles Games in 2028.

“I want to commend the players. The game plan was on point, and we didn’t change anything. I’m happy with the overall performance of each and every player. When we were coming here, people had doubts about the young team, and with this result, I think they have confirmed that they deserved to be here. It’s a team to watch. For continuity, I hope that we will have more international matches so that the momentum continues,” said an elated Omondi.

“After I saw they were not changing their game plan - playing the same system as they played when they hosted us, I knew we were going to win 3-0. I’m happy and proud of the girls as they manned the entire court. Looking at them on the court, you could think they were many players on the court.”

-‘International friendlies’-

Outside hitter Pamela Adhiambo challenged the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to organise more international friendly matches against top sides if Malkia Strikers are to bridge the gap against the world beaters.

“We are very happy with the performance so far, but we humbly request more friendly matches. Not only in Africa, but also in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

“Our mission is to qualify and perform better at the LA 2028 Olympics,” said Odhiambo before the Vietnam clash.

Malkia endured a winless run at the Paris 2024 Olympics, losing to Brazil, Poland, and Japan in straight sets, underlining the gap in experience compared to world volleyball heavyweights

Odhiambo, who is currently turning out for Croatian outfit HAOK Mlandost, further noted that financial obligations to the team had been met after they had earlier cried foul over unpaid allowances.

“Right now, we are very happy because all our allowances have been cleared, and there are no pending dues."

“We appreciate the federation and the Ministry of Sports for fulfilling this commitment.”