Kenya ready to reclaim AFCON title

[Courtesy]

National women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, are keen to reclaim African Nations Cup title as the continental extravaganza serves off in Cairo, Egypt, today.

The 14-member squad landed in Cairo on Friday afternoon beaming with confidence after preparing for almost two months under the tutelage of Italian FIVB instructor Shailen Ramdoo.

With only the winners and first runners up of the 10-day tournament securing tickets to represent Africa in next year’s World Championship in Japan, the nine-time champions are leaving nothing to chance in their quest to reclaim the title they lost to Cameroon in Yaoundé, two years ago.

Kenya Prisons middle-blocker Edith Wisa and her Pipeline counterpart Trizah Atuka believe they have been motivated by their good preparation and the arrival of the experienced Italian tactician.

And with a busy schedule coming up, the two influential players said the Cairo showpiece will serve as a perfect training ground for the team ahead of the FIVB Intercontinental Olympic Qualification Tournament in Italy (August 1-4), the African Games (August 19-31) in Morocco and the World Championship in Japan (September 14-29).

“We have been preparing keeping in mind that we lost the title to Cameroon in our last Afcon outing. We have rectified all our mistakes with the aim of winning the gold medal in Cairo,” Wisa told Standard Sports on phone.

“All the players are aware of tasks lying ahead of us, but we believe this tournament will help us weigh our standards as per now awaiting the other assignments.”

Edith Wisa Mukuvulani of Kenya celebrates during their Zone 5 All Africa Games Qualifiers Women Volleyball Championships match against Ethiopia at Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala on April 22, 2015. Kenya won 3-0. [Courtesy]

Atuka hailed the impact of Ramdoo on the team. “With no doubt, we have had great training and since we had enough time I am sure all players enjoyed it. I also think the inclusion of the new coach (Ramdoo) has been beneficial for the team and I believe it’s going to make a difference in the tournament.

“We are all in good shape, psyched up and ready to reclaim the title. Every tournament is always important for any sports person and so is the Afcon. This is our moment to show the continent what Malkia Strikers are made of.”

Wisa said they have really improved on their reception and service, which have been a monster to Kenyan teams for many years.

“Of course, reception and service has been our biggest problem in the recent past, but with the way we have been training I doubt if they are going to trouble us,” said Wisa.