All the best to Malkia Strikers

Team Malkia Strikers at Kasarani stadium during their last training ahead of the Africa 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers to be held in Cameroon. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The national women volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, left the country yesterday for Cameroon ahead of the CAVB Tokyo Women’s volleyball qualification tournament that starts tomorrow in Yaoundé. The Kenyan girls will be seeking a ticket to play at the Olympics Games in Tokyo in July. Head coach Paul Bitok says the team is optimistic of securing the sole slot despite playing against the likes of Cameroon and Egypt, Kenya’s main rivals over the years and who had adequate preparation ahead of the tourney. Captain Mercy Moim was also quoted saying they were in high spirits and what they had done while in camp at Kasarani will help them book the ticket to Japan.

It is encouraging to hear the coach and his captain exude confidence, considering that the team did not get what they asked for. Coach Bitok had petitioned the government through the Kenya Volleyball Federation boss Waithaka Kioni that the team be facilitated to train in Turkey and play against top teams before the qualifiers in Cameroon. That never happened, but we admire the attitude of the players who said despite not having had the best preparations they are ready to fight for the country.

While we wish them all the best in Cameroon, we urge the authorities to ensure the girls are comfortable and once they book the Olympic ticket, they should be facilitated adequately. Go Malkia Strikers go. Kenyans are behind you.