Malkia Strikers to camp in Vietnam for World Champs preps

According to the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi, part of the preparations will include a one-week camp in Vietnam before the championship serves off from August 22 to September 7 in Thailand.

Nyaberi said the team’s provisional squad will be named after the playoffs before joining a residential training camp and then fly out to Vietnam a few weeks to the championship for a tournament in the south east Asian country.

“We’re focused on the playoffs and once we’re done, the technical bench will name the squad that will hit camp to start the preparations. We’re also finalizing a camp in Vietnam that will boost the team’s preparedness before the serve off in Thailand,” said Nyaberi.

Malkia Strikers players are currently with their respective parent clubs sharpening their claws ahead of the dreaded playoffs that will begin in the quarter finals phase at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The ten-time African champions are in Group G alongside former European champions Poland, Germany and Vietnam.

Cameroon, other African representatives, are in Pool ‘H’ that has reigning champions Serbia, former Olympics champions Japan, and Ukraine, while Egypt are in Pool ‘A’ that has hosts, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Meanwhile, national women’s volleyball league reigning champions KCB have set their sights on retaining their title as they launch their playoffs against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the quarters at Nyayo Stadium this weekend.

The bankers will face KDF on Friday May 9 in the first round before their second fixture on Saturday May 10 at the same venue.

In case the game ends in a tie, the two teams will once again clash on Sunday to determine the winner that will advance to the semis.

KCB head coach Japheth Munala has expressed confidence in his charges noting that the team has what it takes to defend their title.

Munala’s inclusion of youngsters who have been imperious for KCB in recent matches will be crucial in their quest for back-to-back league titles.

“We all know the quality within the KDF squad. It is a team that brings the best out of us. We expect a very competitive fixture. I am extremely confident in my players to do well in this encounter. I intend to include young players like Marlene Terry and Fridah Boke. This will be key for us as we battle to retain our league title.”

Youngsters Marlene Terry, Sheila Wabwire, Pauline Chemutai and Fridah Boke are all expected to participate at the weekend’s duel.

Munala is also set to include the experienced Mercy Moim, Edith Wisah, Juliana Namutira, Belinda Barasa and Lincy Jeruto in his squad.

“We have demonstrated that we are the best volleyball club in the country. Our heads are held so high and we are beaming with confidence as we take on another good opponent in KDF. The players have been training well and are ready for the task ahead. We can not wait to be on that court and play for the badge,” said KCB captain Edith Wisah.

KCB will be keen to have a good run in the playoffs and hopefully bag the league title once again following a difficult run at the 2025 African Club Championship in Nigeria where the team finished fourth.