Malkia Strikers eyeing first win as they face Cameroon

Malkia Strikers setter Emmaculate Nekesa sets up Lorraine Chebet Kaei for an attack against Netherlands on September 23, 2022. [Courtesy]

Matches between Kenya's Malkia Strikers and Cameroon have always been something to look forward to.

The two countries have been the top two nations in African women volleyball for a while and their rivalry has always been intense.

Today the two meet again and this time at the World Championships in Arnhem, Stadium in Netherlands and at stake is not only bragging rights, but also a fight for a first win at the global event after they both lost two opening matches.

Apart from seeking a first win in Netherlands, Kenya's Malkia Strikers are also out for revenge after they lost 3-1 to Cameroon at the 2021 Africa Nations Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

The World Championship website picks out tonight's clash as one of the highlights of the opening round matches and a win by Kenya or Cameroon will be a major step towards second round qualification.

Kenya have so far lost to Netherlands and Belgium while Cameroon lost to Italy and Netherlands.

"We just need to play our game as we don't see Cameroon as a major threat.

"We have beaten them before and ready to do the same tomorrow. We have realised Cameroon has new players in the team," Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok said.

"I believe we have been strategising to win two matches starting with Cameroon and Puerto Rico on Friday to enable us qualify for the second round."

"Despite the rivalry, we are quite unfamiliar to each other but our focus is to win two matches and qualify for the second round," captain Mercy Moim said.