Grand Prix Volleyball: Moim inspires Malkia Strikers as Colombia calls for build up matches

Algerian's Aicha Mezmate and Amina Redouani blocks an taack from Kenya's Mercy Moim (right) during the Africa Nation Cup at Kasarani.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Malkia Strikers are on the verge of qualifying for  this weekend's (July 10-12) FIVB Grand Prix finals in Australia after registering their third win of the competition on Saturday night, in Algiers, Algeria.

Once again Prisons Kenya left attacker Mercy Moim scored 19 points to emerge the top scorer and propel Kenya to a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia (25-20,25-16,25-15), just a day after she struck 17 points in their 3-0 win against Mexico.

The nine time Afrivan Champions were face their hosts and parenial rivals Algeria in a decisive Group Q match this evening and the former Liiga Ploki star is upbeat ahead of the crunch clash.

"It's for everyone to see. We have regrouped ourselves and we are aiming for better results from the second leg. We won one match in Mexico and we have recorded two wins already here in Algeria and as a team we are happy. We intend to keep up the tempo even as we focus on today's match against Algeria. I know it will be a tough match but we have our work well cut out," said Moim.

Head coach David Lung'aho was similarly impressed by his team's performance but singled out Moim as an outstanding player.

"It was a good match and the girls' confidence has grown. We are mentally strong and ready for Algeria. Today's (Sunday) game is a must win for us and we cannot afford to lose.  Moim was inspirational and everybody was pleased with her performance," said Lung'aho.

Meanwhile, Colombia national women’s Volleyball team has expressed interest to play a series of friendly matches with Kenya, in Nairobi.

Colombia who are making their debut in the 2015 FIVB Grand Prix, beat the African Queens by straight sets in the first leg in Mexico.

But with Malkia Strikers' impressive bounce back in Algiers, Colombia coach Guillame Eduardo believes Kenya can give them  good training matches.

“It’s always interesting to see them (Kenya) play. You always see something different in them that other teams don’t and so getting the chance to play against them will definitely have a positive impact on my team,” said Eduardo.

“Who knows, maybe the arrangement could see some of the players from Kenya move to Colombia . But bottom line is that both teams will learn from each other and exchange training programs which is very imperative.”

Kenya Volleyball Federation second vice chairman Kipkemei Sirma who is also the team's head of delegation warmly welcomed the arrangement.

“We  received a communication them( Colombia) that they wants to come to Kenya  for a  couple of friendlies with the national team and as  a federation, we welcome them to Kenya anytime ,” said Sirma.

 “The fact that they will pay their own air tickets and

accommodation,  I don’t see why we should deny them the chance. And again their desire is to come next month which will definitely be suitable for us since we need good preparation as the team will use the friendly as a build up to World Cup championship in Japan and All

Africa Games  set for Congo Brazavile in September.

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