Malkia depart optimistic of bagging final Rio slot

The national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers headed off to Puerto Rico on Tuesday night for the FIVB World Qualifiers in a last-ditch bid to make the Rio 2016 Olympics after failing in the initial stage early this year in Cameroon.

The Government and Kenya Volleyball Federation resolved all  outstanding allowances for the team that left in high spirits.

Head coach David Lung’aho stood by his stated target of winning the remaining Olympics qualification slot underpinning his team is well prepared.

“I tell my players they’re winners. They are achievers and they have to keep that going,” he told Citizen Digital as the squad went through their departure motions at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

In Puerto Rico, Malkia  will play three matches against the hosts Colombia and continental rivals Algeria whom they edged out for bronze at the Africa Olympics Qualifiers in Yaounde where the winner will punch their ticket to Brazil.

The team is seeking a first appearance at the quadrennial sporting carnival since Athens 2004 and after Puerto Rico, Malkia will depart on May 23 to Argentina for a training camp ahead of the Group Two FIVB World Grand Prix that serves-off on June 3 in Tucuman in the same country.

Malkia were promoted to Group 2 after making history in winning last year’s Group 3 competition.

Matches Schedule

21st May

Kenya vs Colombia

22nd May

Kenya vs Algeria

23rd May

Kenya vs Puerto Rico

June 4th in Tucuman Argentina

Kenya vs Argentina

Dominican Republic vs Bulgaria

June 5th

Kenya vs Bulgaria

Dominican Republic vs Argentina

June 5th

Dominican Republic vs Kenya

Argentina vs Bulgaria

 

June 10th  in Poland

Kenya vs Puerto Rico

Poland vs Argentina

June 11th

Kenya vs Poland

Argentina vs Puerto Rico

June 12th

Kenya vs Argentina

Poland vs Puerto Rico

OFFICIALS

David Lung’aho – Head Coach

Japheth Munala – Assistant Coach

Martin Kimondo – Team Manager

Charles Maina – Team Doctor

Players

Mercy Moim- Left Attacker (Captain)

Jane Wacu- Setter

Janet Wanja- Setter

Evelyne makuto- Left Attacker

Violet Makuto- Right Attacker

Monica Chepkemboi- Left Attacker

Blackcides Kathambi Agala- Middle Blocker

Noel Murambi- Left Attacker (Vice-Captain)

Esther Wangeci- Right Attacker

Agripina Kundu- Liberu

Trizer Atuka-Middle Blocker

Edith Mukuvilani- Middle Blocker

Tags:

David Lung'aho Malkia Strikers Group 2 Women's Volleyball FIVB World Grand Prix FIVB World Qualifiers

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories