Malkia Strikers land renewed partnership with gaming firm Mozzart Bet

Leading gaming firm Mozzart Bet, on Wednesday 5 July signed a two year Ksh. 15 milion extension with Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), that will see the company remain as sponsor of the National Women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers.

The deal places Mozzart Bet as the Title sponsors of Malkia Strikers until July 2025.

The Ksh 15 million sponsorship package will include the FIVB High Performance training set for Morocco later this month, all leading up to Kenya's appearance in their maiden FIVB Challenger Cup on July 27-30 in Laval, France.

The deal, presented by Mozzart Bet Kenya Country Manager Sasa Krneta, will see the Malkia Strikers land their second deal from the firm after acquiring a one year deal last year, one that led to their participation in the World Championships in Brazil, where they finished 19th out of 24 participating countries.

"First and foremost is to express much gratitude to KVF for allowing us to reaffirm our support to these great women who continue to inspire generations and exemplify our belief in breaking barriers," Sasa Krneta said during the event.

The top ranked nation in Africa is expected to battle it out in the African Nations Championships set for Cameroon in August, where as per the common goal in the partnership, will be a competition that Kenya expects to not only trump the hosts, but win entirely.

"One team, one mission," Paul Bitok - the team’s assistant coach reaffirmed. "Our journey to the Paris Olympics has just started. We are delighted to extend our partnership with you. You always made your commitment to us and even when times are tough, you continue to make our work easier. We thank you."

In the midst of the team of 16 players was acting KVF President Charles Nyaberi - who affirmed Kenya's quest to be the best as Africa Number One - and the technical staff consisting of Japheth Munala- team assistant coach, team chaperone - Emily-and physiotherapist Sarah Karongo.

"From our marketing department, we have promised to give you (Mozzart Bet) enough visibility during training and in our pressers, added with us buying into the idea of responsible betting," Nyaberi added.

"We want you to bring pride just like you did in the World Championships," Mozzart Bet Marketing Manager Frank Ochieng urged. "Let's bring the African title home."

The team after their exploits in France, is also expected to spend some days in camp, before making their way to Cameroon.

Kenya will open its campaign in the Challenger Cup on July 27 in the knockouts, where they will face Colombia, Mexico, Vietnam, Sweden, Ukraine and the hosts - France.

"This partnership in the long run also acts as a motivation to the young players who want to be part of us in the future," returning middle blocker Trizah Atuka added on a day promises were made to the team should they return with the trophy.

Should it happen, the team’s qualification for next year's Volleyball Nations League could see them bag necessary points in making it to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The team travels on Friday 7 July 2023.