KENYA FACE PERU IN OPENER: Malkia Strikers start Grand Prix show against South Americans

Kenya's Mercy Esther Wangeci and Brackcide Agala blocks an attack from Safia Boukhima of Algeria during their Africa Cup of Nation volleyball finals at Kasarani Gymnesium on June 20, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD

National women’s volleyball team head coach David Lung’aho expects the Malkia Strikers to start their 2015 World Grand Prix campaign on a positive note against Peru, today in Mexico.

The nine time African champions are coming off an impressive outing in the African Nations Cup Championships in Nairobi where they successfully retained the title after winning all five matches without dropping a set.

Although the Prisons Kenya coach doesn’t know much about the opponents, he has urged his players to continue from where they left off in Nairobi.

“We want to win the first match at any cost. It is unfortunate we don’t have any idea of whom Peru are and it can either work for or against us.

“But we are here to register good performance, so we expect to play better against them and that will give us a good start,” said Lung’aho.

“We have a busy schedule, but I believe we have what it takes to perform well in all the upcoming competitions.

“After Grand Prix we will go back to camp and since All Africa Games and the World Cup dates are colliding, we are contemplating to taking our youth team to Japan as the senior team participates in the continental event.”

Commenting on the World Cup draw made on Thursday where they have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Cuba and Russia, Lunga’ho said: “It is an interesting group. We will play 11 matches and hope to pull some surprises.”

Assistant captain Janet Wanja said: “We have performed well in the AFCON, but certainly we cannot rest on our laurels. The real competition now begins in the Grand Prix.”

Kenya take on Mexico tomorrow before wrapping up their group three fixtures with a clash against Colombia on Monday. After the first preliminary round, they will fly to Algeria for the second round (July 3-5) where they have been drawn together with perennial rivals Algeria, Mexico and Australia.

If the African queens win four of their preliminary matches, they will qualify for the finals in Australia (July 10-12).

Meanwhile, the fifth leg of the Kenya Volleyball League (KVF) will be held this weekend at Nanyuki Stadium, Laikipia County.

KVF national league men champions Kenya Prison’s coach Gideon Chenje has expressed optimism that he will retain the title by the end of the season as the league enters the fifth leg.

“I cannot say what will make us not retain the league because we have good players with experience and the youngsters who joined us this season are bringing more competition thus good training for our club,” said the tactician.

Chenje admits there is a lot competition in the league this season especially from Kenya Ports Authority and newcomers Nairobi Water who have shown their worth in the league.

“Every team wants to take the home the title but I hope to stay at the top of the table standing as we progress in the league.” Former champs GSU have skipped the Nanyuki leg.