Malkia Strikers now eye good show at World Championships: Song and dance as national team books slot at global competition

Malkia Strikers Malkia Strikers (from left) Jane Wacu, Evelyne Makuto and Violet Makuto when they faced Egypt at the World Championships qualifiers in Cameroon on October 13, 2017. Malkia Strikers won the match 3-0. [Courtesy]

Nine time African champs atone for 2016 Olympics games miss, trounce Egypt in Cameroon.

It was song and dance after the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, beat Egypt by straight sets of 25-23, 25-22, 23-19 in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Friday night to qualify for next year's World Championship in Japan.

The victory saw the nine-time African Nations Cup champions book a slot in the final with a fast improving hosts Cameroon. The final was due to be played last night (8pm) at the Palais des Sports Hall.

Cameroon secured the remaining ticket to Japan after seeing off Senegal by an identical set score of 25-19, 25-20, 27-25 in the second semi-final.

The flawless Malkia went into the semis on the back of four straight set wins in the preliminary round and eventually exerted revenge on the Egyptians who denied them a chance to qualify for last year's Rio Olympic Games at the same venue last year.

Just like the Group matches, on-form Kenya Prisons middle-blocker Edith Wisa and captain Mercy Moim scored 14 and 13 points each to ensure Japheth Munala’s side return to Asia for the first time since 2010 after missing the last edition in 2014.

It was a the day that all Malkia’s departments clicked thanks to their near perfect reception. And just after the final whistle,  it was all smiles on the court with players posing for photos and taking selfies before the technical bench joined them in celebration.

“Last time we were here, we left dejected. But I am now so happy and thankful to my teammates for the effort they put in to qualify for the World Championship,” assistant captain Noel Murambi said.

“However, it is not yet over as we still have a tough match today (yesterday) against Cameroon. We must bring the trophy back home.”

Moim added:” So far, so good. I want to thank God for helping us reach this far and my team mates for working hard and for the commitment they have shown since day one.”

Setter Jane Wacu, who was Kenya’s architect in the semifinal triumph, and middle-blocker Trizah Atuka were equally excited on their World Championship qualification, but urged their teammates to remain focused.

“In the semis our, reception was good. Whenever, we receive well other departments work out perfectly. Our target is not just to win but play well and win without dropping a set,” added Atuka.

Kenya and Cameroon qualified for the 2018 World Championship in Japan after making it to finals. The competition will be played on September 29- October 20.