Paris 2024: Malkia Strikers keen to punch above their weight

Malkia Strikers Middle blocker Trizah Atuka during the World Cup in Japan. [FIVB]

In a battle akin to that of David and Goliath, the Kenya women’s national volleyball team Malkia Strikers will today take on giants Brazil in their opening match of the 2024 Paris Olympics at the South Paris Arena 1.

Going into the match as the lowest ranked side in the competition, the Kenyan girls will have to master courage, shake off the underdogs tag.

Kenya is seeded 18 places below Brazil in the latest FIVB women’s ranking having maintained their spot, whereas the Samba girls were dislodged from the top by the current world number one Italy.

Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka said they want to perform better.

“We remain focused and determined to give our best. We will play our hearts out because our aim is to represent the country well,” Atuka said.

Though they face an uphill task against the Brazilians, Malkia Strikers, who are making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, will be hoping to finally get it right and secure victory.

Since their first encounter during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Kenyan girls have suffered in the hands of the South Americans, losing in all eight encounters.

Malkia Strikers coach Japheth Munala will be hoping that his youthful side, with an average age of 26 years, will rise to the occasion.

Despite most of the girls making their Olympic debut, Munala will bank on the intensive training they have had which included a pre-Olympics camp in Miramas, South France.

Though Kenya lost their Challenger Cup quarterfinals match against Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25), Malkia Strikers had a brilliant performance.

Focus will be on youngster Pamela Adhiambo whose impressive show against Puerto Rico left many Kenyans in awe. 

The Kenya Pipeline outside hitter is among Kenyans players who will be making their Olympic debut.

Together with her assistant Edith Wisah, Belinda Barasa and Lorine Chebet, they will ensure that Malkia Strikers’ first line of defence is solid.

Munala will also rely on outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo who plies her trade in Greece for GS Panionions, opposite hitter Sharon Chepchumba, setters Esther Mutinda and Emmaculate Nekesa and libero Agripina Kundu.

Kenya has always been pooled with Brazil at the Olympics.