Deputy President Ruto rewards Malkia Strikers for good show

DP meets volleyball team Deputy President William Ruto meets National Volleyball team players Malkia Strikers, at his Karen residence, yesterday. PHOTO: DPPS

Malkia Strikers have received a cash reward of Sh1.5 million from Deputy President William Ruto for winning their first ever world title in Australia, last Sunday.

The nine-time African champions clinched the trophy after beating Peru 3-1 in the Group Three final of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix held in Canberra.

Speaking yesterday after hosting the triumphant national team to a breakfast meeting at his Karen residence, the DP praised the players for their historic achievement and assured them of government support in upcoming assignments.

“You have achieved a fete that has not been done before. In history of volleyball in Kenya and Africa your win in Australia is a first. You have lifted Kenya as a high sporting nation,” said Ruto.

“As Government we want to find sustainable means to sustain sports while we should be able to back up sponsors with reliable source of support because our sportsmen are the greatest ambassadors.

“We will be with you and whatever support you need we will make it available. The ministry responsible for sports is properly charged to make sure that the record we have set as a sporting nation will continue to scale high levels to exploit the potential we have in our sports men and women.

“We thank the men and women who wake up early to do this. To win is not the day you appear in the finals; it begins way before by being disciplined and keeping within the rigorous training and diet on a daily basis," he added.

The DP further called on sponsors to step forward and support the sporting industry.

“I want to ask sponsors to support this sport. We ask many to come forward to help our young men and women,” said Ruto.

Team captain Brackcides Agala thanked the DP for his noble gesture, but urged the government to continue supporting them.

Head Coach David Lungaho said he was still relishing their historic triumph. “It has never been done by any African team either men or women. The journey was long. It began in Mexico then Algeria and finally to Canberra and we won all,” Lung’aho said.