Paris 2024: Kenya's wait for first set win at Olympics goes on

Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka reacts after their loss to Brazil at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Brazil might have continued with their dominance over Malkia Strikers on the international scene after beating the Kenyans by straight sets at the Paris Olympic Games on Monday, but head coach Japheth Munala is proud of his girls’ effort.

The African queens’ wait for their first set victory at the Olympics continued as they fell 25-14, 25-13 and 25-12 against the second-ranked country in women volleyball at a fully packed South Paris Arena.

Having handed debuts to several players including captain Trizah Atuka, who missed the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games due to injury, highest scorer Pamela Adhiambo,  Esther Mutinda, Emmaculate Nekesa,  Belinda Barasa, Juliana Namutira and Veronica Adhiambo, Munala believes the girls outdid themselves against a superior opponent. 

Only four players; Edith Wisa, Lorine Chebet, Agrippina Kundu and Leonida Kasaya were making their second appearance at the Games after featuring at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Kenya, who are ranked 20th, face fourth-placed Poland in their next match tomorrow before taking on seventh ranked Japan on August 3.

Munala, who was equally making his first appearance at the Games, feels his team did well on reception, which has been their undoing in years.

“The players tried their best, especially in the first half and second sets, even though we didn’t go beyond 15 points. But you could see resistance of the team both in reception and attack as well as back defence,” Munala told Standard Sports.

Munala’s sentiments were echoed by his captain Trizah Atuka, who termed their debut as memorable.

“This is not the result we were expecting, but I think we had some good moments especially with the reception which is usually for us on international scene. Our reception was quite good, we just had an issue with making the side out,” said Atuka.

“Brazil did well in their defence, more so with the blocking. Despite that, we played and enjoyed each and every point we got.”

“It was great to make my Olympics debut, but at the same time, it was quite emotional walking on that court. All the same, I’m living the dream, and I just wanted to enjoy this match and psych the team regardless of the result.