Atuka predicts glorious season for Malkia Strikers

Malkia striker's vice captain Triza Atuka is confident that they will have a good year starting with the All Africa Games Zone Five Championship qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt from January 22.

Atuka says they are fired up ahead of the Cairo fiesta, which will set the rhythm for their Paris Olympics season.

“A successful year would mean qualifying for the All Africa Games and winning the games, and a good performance at the Olympics. Do we think we can do that? Of course yes, as long as we prepare well,” said Atuka.

Malkia Strikers will miss star players Sharon Chepchumba and Leonida Kasaya but Atuka still believes with good preparations, they will reign supreme in Cairo.

Chepchumba will be undergoing a recovery program with her team PAOK in Greece from January 15, five days before the Championship starts.

 Kasaya on the other end had not reported to training despite being called up, by the time of writing this account.

“We need to work on the positions where seasoned players won’t be there to make sure that the young players or their replacements are well integrated and equal to the task ahead of us,” noted Triza.

The Africa Zone Five Championship will also double up as a qualifier for this year’s Africa Games, which are scheduled for Ghana in March.

Already, the men and women’s beach volleyball teams have qualified, and their indoor counterparts will be looking to complete the quadruple.

Malkia started training in Nairobi on Monday, ahead of their flight to Egypt on January 20.

Malkia Strikers Squad in Training

Setters: Esther Mutinda, Joy Lusenaka, Emmaculate Nekesa

Liberos: Lincy Jeruto, Elizabeth Wanyama, Agripina Kundu,

Opposite Players: Pauline Itoo, Mercy Iminza, Loice Simiyu,

Middle Blockers: Triza Atuka, Edith Wisa, Lorine Chebet, Belinda Barasa,

Outside Hitters: Mercy Moim (Captain), Pamela Adhiambo, Sarah Namisi, Pamela Jepkirui, Jemimah Siangu, Juliana Namutira.

Head coach – Japeth Munala

Assistant coach – Josp Barasa

Trainer – Janet Wanja

Team manager – John Ogara

Physiotherapist – Sarah Karongo