Malkia Strikers brush aside Burundi as Rwanda clash looms

@MutindaStano in Kigali, Rwanda

Malkia Strikers outclassed Burundi 3-0 (25-8, 25-9 and 25-11) on Thursday at the Kigali Arena as they warmed up for their Africa Nations Volleyball Championships semi-final clash with Rwanda in style.

The nine-time African champions threw down their gauntlet ahead of Saturday’s semifinals against hosts Rwanda, whitewashing the fellow East Africans with in straight sets during what was the final Group ‘B’ fixture.

Malkia Strikers sealed their last four spot on Wednesday after defeating Tunisia 3-0, with victory over Burundi marking the Kenyans’ third straight win at the tournament after losing their opening match against reigning champions Cameroon.

In the Thursday’s one-sided tie, head coach Paul Bitok handed starts to the fridge players resting the regular top guns ahead of the meeting with his former employers.

Opposite hitter Emmaculate Chemtai came in for Sharon Chepchumba, starting her first game here in Rwanda, while Elizabeth Wanyama replaced ever-green Aggripina Kundu in the Libero position.

The hot prospect setter Esther Mutinda, who has started in the last three matches, started from the bench with Kenya Prisons’ Joy Luseneka taking her place while captain Mercy Moim sat out with Yvonne Sinaida and Veronica Adhiambo making their full appearances in the starting six.

The Kenyans rest on Friday before taking on the hosts who finished top of Pool ‘A’. Cameroon leads Pool B winning all her matches in straight sets as they seek to bag their third successive continental title.