Atuka, Munala exude confidence as Malkia Strikers head to Philippines

The ten-time African champions are sharpening their claws ahead of the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup scheduled for July 4-7 in Manila, Philippines before heading to the French capital for the Summer Games which run from July 26 to August 11.

While the Kenyan lasses have underlined their name as Africa's top dog, they have had years of constant heartbreak on the world stage but Trizah, who has replaced Mercy Moim as the team’s captain, says they are ready to leave a mark this year.

“The competitions ahead of us are tough. We are going to meet top teams in the world but we are up to the task. We carry the pride of Africa and we will not be pushovers.”

Atuka has lauded the sponsors who have come on board to boost their preparations ahead of the two assignments.

“We are currently under NOCK and we have received adequate support from them. Sponsors have also come in handy. The morale is high in the camp and we are aiming to reflect that in the Philippines and France. We have trained well and we are ready for the assignments,” she added.

Malkia Strikers received a supplement of two million shillings in addition to the 15 million shillings they were given by a betting firm earlier this year to boost their preparations ahead of the global showpieces.

Head coach Japheth Munala says despite being pooled against world-beaters, they will use the underdog tag to their advantage.

‘We are going to meet Puerto Rico in the Challenger Cup. They stunned us 3-1 in the last outing and this time round we will turn things around. We also have been pooled with top teams in the Olympics, Japan, Brazil and Poland are all top teams but we are confident we shall get points from them.”

Malkia Strikers have been in a training camp at Kasarani Indoor Arena for the past two weeks and three players will be dropped from the 19-member squad for the Challenger Cup and a further three for the Olympic Games.

Munala promised that the final squad selection will be based on ability to defend the court, attack and consistency in training. Ability to play at the international stage will also be key for the selection of the Olympic squad.

The reigning African champions are scheduled to leave for Challenger Cup which begins on July 4 in the Philippines before pitching camp in Miramas, France for a high-performance camp ahead of the Paris Olympics.