The Kenya women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers is optimistic of leaving a mark at the fivb Challenger Cup scheduled 4-7th in Manila,Philipines.
In Philipines Malkia are angling for impressive performance, akin to ‘thrilla in manilla’ when they face Puerto Rico in their first,a straight knock out game on Thursday.
Featuring eight national teams, which unfolds in a single elimination format, the winner of the challenger Cup will qualify for the inaugural 2025 Volleyball Nations League.
Olympic bound Kenya will rely on a 16 member squad named by head coach Japhet Munala to get the results in Manila.
Captain and middle blocker Trizah Atuka headlines the squad that also consists charismatic and productive opposite Sharon ‘Chumba’Kiprono and talented libero Aggripina Kundu. Outside hitter Greek based Veronica Adhiambo will be a key player for Kenya.
Kenya will also count on setters Esther Mutinda and Pamela and Immaculate Nekesa.
After the challenger Cup Malkia Strikers is expected to head to Miramas for a three week camp in preparation for the Olympic games in Paris.
Malkia Strikers in their second consecutive Olympic Games appearance will seek to improve on their previous showing at the games in which they have failed to advance past the group phase in a total of four previous appearances.
In Paris,Kenya will play Tokyo 2020 silver winners Brazil, Poland and Japan in group They open their campaign against Brazil on July 29th before facing Poland two days later and then wind up their group campaign against Japan on August 3rd at the South Paris Arena.
Malkia Strikers: Liberos: Aggripina Kundu,Linzy Jeruto,Opposite: Sharon Chepchumba,Loice Simiyu,Pamela Adhiambo,Outside Hitters:Veronica Adhiambo,Juliana Namutira,Jemimah Siang’u,Leonida Kasaya,Meldina Sande,Setters:Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda,Middle blockers:Triza Atuka,Edith Wisa,Belinda Barasa,Lorine Chebet,
