
Malkia Strikers bow out of FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Championship
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 25.08.25. | 21:53
They will face Vietnam,also winless, in a dead rubber on Wednesday at 1:00 pm EAT
Kenya women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, saw their FIVB World Championship hopes slip through their fingers after a spirited 1–3 (17-25, 25-15, 15-25, 14-25) defeat to Poland at the 4,000-seater Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket, Thailand.
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Despite the loss, the African champions showed marked improvement from their opening match, snatching a set from the third-ranked Poles in what was a defiant display of grit.
Kenya had fallen in straight sets (3–0) to Germany on Saturday in their opening Pool G encounter, and now find themselves with only pride to play for.
They will face Vietnam, also winless, in a dead rubber on Wednesday, 27 August, at 1:00 pm EAT.
Germany and Poland, who have already secured their second-round tickets after two wins apiece, will square off later on Wednesday at 4:30 pm EAT to determine the group winners.
Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi, while encouraged by the progress, admitted disappointment with the result.
"Bagging a set from the third-ranked country is something, but I really wanted to push them to a fifth set, who knows, we might have stolen it,” said Omondi.
"At least we have tomorrow to rest and recover ahead of the Vietnam match. Vietnam plays a fast game, and we must be at our best to win.
There’s been great improvement, individual brilliance, teamwork, and coordination, and we need to build on that.
We lost to them during the international friendlies, but we aim to return the favour.”
Poland coach Stefano Lavarini praised Kenya’s fight, admitting his side had to dig deep to prevail.
“As I mentioned earlier, Kenya is no pushover, and that’s exactly what we experienced today.
We struggled, but we contained them. They are a physical side capable of surprises,” said Lavarini.
For the Malkia Strikers, the tournament now shifts from a quest for glory to a battle for pride, one more match to show that their roar still carries weight on the world stage.













