Malkia Strikers out to secure LA28 ticket as CAVB African Championships beckon

The championship runs from August 25 to September 4 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex, with 16 teams competing. The top three finishers will also qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.

Kenya are the defending champion and record 10-time winner. The Malkia Strikers claimed their latest title in 2023 after beating Egypt 3-0 in the final in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi says the team is determined to retain the crown while taking advantage of the qualification opportunities.

“We'll make sure the trophy remains here by playing fairly and playing well so that we retain the trophy and qualify for the Olympics and the World Championship.”

“It's a double-edged sword: one competition, two qualifications. So when we win, we stand a good chance,” he added.

The Malkia Strikers face a competitive field that includes former champions Egypt and Cameroon, as well as Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has backed the team to deliver an 11th continental crown and secure qualification to the global competitions.

“We shall continue supporting you, and we shall be with you as we lift the trophy for the 11th time and also as we celebrate and as we organize how to take you to the World Championship and to Los Angeles,” said Mwangi.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who handed the national flag to the team ahead of the championship, challenged the players to return it with honor.

“We will give you again the flag, the Kenyan flag, with a lot of pride, and you also return the Kenyan flag with honor,” said Mvurya.

Mvurya expressed confidence that Kenya will win on home soil, saying the team has the backing of the country and the continent.

“So I have all the confidence to say that we will win. We have the support of Africa and we have the support of all of us.”

Furthermore, he added that the stakes made victory particularly important.

“And this win is so critical, because we kill two birds with one stone. We cannot afford to lose this one.”

With the government throwing its weight behind the team, the Malkia Strikers will now have to deliver on the court when the competition gets underway.

Malkia Strikers will now begin their title defense, with an 11th African crown, the direct LA28 Olympic ticket, and qualification for the 2027 World Cup at stake.