Lungaho calls for proper preparations ahead of FIVB Nations Championship

Malkia Strikers technical director David Lung’aho has called on the Kenya Volleyball Federation and the government to step up their support for the national volleyball team prior to their FIVB World Nations Championship slated for September 29- October 20 next year in Japan.

“I want to rally for support from the government, the federation and sponsors as we look forward to an intensive and quality preparation for our girls ahead of next year’s tourney. This is their team and we can only post good results if the help we need come in handy,”Lungaho said, adding that, “We posted a dismal performance in Cameroon but I believe we can turn it around through adequate support. Last time we had a hard time preparing but we hope not to see a repeat of the same.”

Despite qualifying for the international showpiece, Kenya lost in the African Nations Championship final to Cameroon by three straight sets in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Lunga’aho alongside Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala complained of inadequate preparation and deplorable training conditions.The teams sessions were constantly hampered by water and electricity shortages at the Kasarani gymnasium, and as they gear for the assignment, Lungaho wants not to see a repeat of that.

The Malkia Strikers were drawn in a tough looking pool ‘D’  for the 2018 FIVB Women’s World Championship to be hosted in Tokyo, Japan, serving from September 29 – October 20.

Kenya will face Serbia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Kazakhstan in their pool matches.

Though Lung’aho is cognisant of their tough pool, he’s equally confident that the girls can do exceedingly well if they get the optimum preparations.

“Our pool is a tough one as the teams are highly ranked. But it’s a challenge for our girls to prove their mettle.  We are unlucky to be pooled against such teams but we will prepare well and see where we reach. We have already laid down our training program which has a 5 months training schedule and we also wish to train overseas and play international friendly matches to gain experience once we are funded. This will aid us to sharpen ourselves because we participated in the tourney a long time ago, in 2010,”  Lunga’ho said.