Malkia Strikers step up preps as African Champs beckons

The ten-time African champions have intensified their preparations as they seek to sharpen their claws ahead of the continental showpiece that returns to Kenya after 11 years.

Omondi urged the 20-member squad to fight for their places in the final roster of 14 players expected to be named before the championship gets underway as the Kenyan lasses seek to retain the title for a record-extending 11th time.

Speaking during the team’s training session at Kasarani on Tuesday, Omondi expressed confidence in the squad’s build up, noting that the recent conclusion of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League and Kenya Cup played a pivotal role in maintaining player match fitness at optimum levels.

“The girls are in high spirits, their morale is very high, and they are ready to fight.

We are taking these training sessions very seriously to get the exact skill set required to beat every opponent. The focus now is strictly on polishing our tactical execution, sharpening our services, attack lines and defensive transitions,” Omondi stated.

The tournament is poised to attract 16 countries and serves as a qualification pathway for both the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championships in Poland and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Malkia Strikers spanked Egypt 3-0 sets to win the 2023 edition, ending Cameroon’s eight-year dominance.

The veteran tactician, who guided Kenya Pipeline to a league title victory, highlighted that the technical bench has deliberately selected a high-calibre roster capable of making quick tactical adaptations depending on the opposition.

“The players we have selected are top-tier players who play at a very high level. That depth allows us to make quick tactical adjustments on the court depending on how the opponent plays,” he explained.

Echoing her coach’s bold declaration, team captain Medina Sande assured home fans that the squad’s readiness is absolute as they fine-tune critical match details ahead of the tournament.

“Preparations have been going really well and fitness levels are top-notch. The coaches have been helping us polish key areas of weakness like reception, blocking and back-row defense.

"We are fully prepared to retain this title, the championship is at home and we will not let Kenyans down,” Sande assured.

With Africa’s ultimate volleyball prize and early Olympic qualification momentum on the line, the 10-time African champions are urging local supporters to fill the Kasarani stands and back the team's quest for continental dominance.

The current provisional squad is dominated by players who featured at the just-concluded Kenya Cup.

Veronica Adhiambo, Meidina Sande, Daisy Leting, Milka Akinyi, Jemimah Siang’u and Juliana Namutira form the group of outside hitters, while Emmaculate Nekesa, Linar Ogweno and Esther Mutinda remain in contention for the setter positions.

The middle-blocker options are Gladys Ekaru, Belinda Barasa, Mariana Sokoiyo, Pauline Chemutai and Lorine Chebet, while the opposite hitters are Merlin Terry, Mercy Iminza and Deborah Jesang.