Malkia Strikers arrive in Serbia for pre-World Champs camp

• The team has been in Brazil for the last two months
• They will play two friendly matches in Serbia
• The World Championships start in The Netherlands on September 23

National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers jetted into Belgrade, Serbia where they are set to hold a five-day final camp before leaving for the FIVB Women’s World Championships set to serve off on 23 September in Netherlands.

Under the tutelage of Brazilian Luizomar de Moura, Malkia Strikers successfully completed a two-month high-perfomance training in Brazil, sponsored by FIVB, before moving to Belgrade for the final push.

“I am happy with the team’s performance in Brazil. That was a fantastic experience and I witnessed the team improve with each day,” offered coach Moura upon arrival in Belgrade.

The tactician believes that having a blend of experienced and young players in the squad worked to his long-term plans for the team.

Brazilian experience was important

Malkia Strikers in Serbia

“The Brazilian experience was important especially for the young players led by the setter Emmaculate Nekesa and Veronica Kilabat as they got to learn from some of the country’s best setters and they have improved massively,” added Moura.

Moura adds that the Belgrade camp will help the team adapt to the European climate and timeline.

Assistant coach Paul Bitok echoed Moura’s sentiments on the team’s preparations saying that this is the best prepared squad Kenya has ever presented to any championship and they expect to perfect everything in Belgrade ahead of the championship.

“We have improved on all the departments but reception is yet to get to the level we would want for the level of competition we expect. We, however, have a few more days here and the chance to fine tune all areas,” Bitok offered.

Meanwhile, lethal left attack and team captain Mercy Moim says that being in constant training has improved the team’s performance and they expect to cause some upsets.

Best preparations ever for national team 

Malkia Strikers in Serbia

“Unlike previously where we would train at Kasarani for a few days before any major events or get interrupted every so often when the gymnasiums are being used for other things, we had everything we could ask for in OSASCO, Brazil. We do not have any excuses now. It is time to implement everything we have learned,” said the skipper.

The skipper had promised Kenyans that this year’s championship will not end at the group stages for Malkia as they have everything they need to cause some upsets.

The nine-time African champions are looking to get a second win at the World Championships  since their historic triumph when they stunned Kazakhstan by straight sets during the 2018 edition held in Japan.

They are drawn in a tough looking pool A in a draw which split the 24 participating teams into four first round pools of six teams. Malkia Strikers are pitted against Cameroon, hosts Netherlands, European champions Italy, Puerto Rico and Belgium.

Final team

Malkia Strikers coach Luiz Omar

LEFT

1.Mercy Moim

2. Noel Murambi
3. Meldinah Sande
4. Veronica Adhiambo

MIDDLE BLOCKERS

1. Edith Mukuvilani
2. Gladys Ekaru
3. Lorine Chebet
4. Belinda Barasa

SETTERS

1. Emmaculate Nekesa
2. Veronica Kilabat

OPPOSITE ATTACKERS

1. Sharon Chepchumba
2. Everline Makuto

LIBERO

1. Agripina Kundu
2. Yvonne Wavinya