Malkia Strikers beaten in first Olympics game

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenyan National Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers lost the first match of the 2024 Olympic Games, ongoing in Paris, France.

The Kenyan queens were beaten by three straight sets by Brazil, the second-best ranked team in the World in pool B’s match played on Monday afternoon.

Malkia strikers went down 14-25, 13-25 and 12-25 in the game.

Speaking ahead of the game, Malkia Strikers head coach Japhet Munala urged his charges to give their all against Brazil.

‘’Brazil has won this tournament before but we are fearless, we have prepared well and we are ready to face them on Monday. We have agreed with the players to give it all in the match and come out with victory,” Munala remarked, confidently.

“We have already polished on all the aspects of our play including the service, defence, striking and reception.’’

On his part, Kenya Volleyball Federation deputy President and former head coach Paul Bitok, said he believes time is due for Kenya to get past the group phase, or even win a set at the Olympic Games.

“They should be able to work as a team, polish up on the reception and attack strongly. I believe this time round Kenya can get out of the group,” Bitok added.

After the Brazil match, Kenya will play two-time Bronze winners Poland on Wednesday, then wind up its group B campaign against 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games gold medalists Japan on August 3rd at the South Paris Arena.

They have to win the two games so as to stand a chance of progressing from the group. 

This year’s edition is Malkia Strikers' fourth Olympic Games appearance, having featured in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2004 Athens and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. However, the African champions are yet to win a set at the Games.

Malkia Strikers squad:

Aggripina Kundu, Sharon Chepchumba, Loice Simiyu, Pamela Adhiambo, Veronica Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira, Leonida Kasaya, Immaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Captain Triza Atuka, Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa and Lorine Chebet.