On song Malkia Strikers whitewash Uganda in Yaounde
Volleyball and Handball
By
Ernest Ndunda
| Aug 19, 2023
The national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, enhanced their chances of playing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France after they maintained their clean record as Africa Cup of Nations competition entered day three on Friday in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Malkia easily dismissed neighbors Uganda 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-14) to remain at the top of their group with two matches to go.
The Luizomar De Moura-coached team take on Morocco today before concluding their preliminary round against Lesotho tomorrow.
Malkia Strikers, who are the tournament's top seeds by virtue of being the top ranked African team globally, have not dropped a single set in their three opening matches.
The Mercy Moim-captained side hit Rwanda 3-0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-10) in their opening match before stopping Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-10) in their second match.
Assistant coach Paul Bitok said they have given chances to all the players in the matches to ensure he did not have bench-warmers.
"We have been rotating the players to avoid them being fatigued ahead of the knockout stages, " said Bitok.
The coach disclosed that Greece-based attacker Sharon Chepchumba has been down with an injury but was recovering well, and is likely to be fielded today against Morocco but not for more than two sets.
"We want to ensure every player is fit at the group stages as we remain focused on reclaiming the title and qualify for the Olympic Games," said Bitok.
Skipper Mercy Moim is so far happy with the performance of the team.
"We have been having good preparations. The Morocco training was good and morale is high at the camp, " said Moim in an earlier interview.