Paris Olympics: Bitok tips Malkia Strikers to pull surprises

National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers have their work cut out as they make back-to-back appearances at the Olympic Games.

As fate would have it, Malkia, who made their debut at the Games in 2000, before making a return in 2004 and 2021 during the Covid-19-delayed Games have landed a tough group that has two sides they played in Tokyo.

The Japheth Munala-coached charges play Olympic silver medalists Brazil, two-time Olympic bronze medalists Poland, and two-time Games champion Japan. Kenya also faced Brazil and Japan in 2021.

New Malkia Strikers skipper confident of positive results in Challenger Cup, Olympic Games

The side finished last after defeats to Brazil, bronze medalists Serbia, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Japan.

“Despite facing tough competition from top-ranked teams like Poland, Brazil, and Japan, I believe Kenya has what it takes to compete well and potentially win sets. There is great optimism,” federation vice president, Paul Bitok, who was part of the coaching team in Tokyo but will travel to Paris as the technical director, told Mozzart Sport.

He continued, “With dedication and hard work, Malkia can make their mark in the tournament. Sports often bring surprises, and anything can happen with the right mindset and effort.”

The tactician singled out the match against Japan in their last outing as a clear indication they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. Kenya came close to clinching their first-ever set at the Games in a 25–15, 25–11, 25–23, outcome.

“We had the chance to surprise Japan last time leading 23 – 17 in that last set but failed to finish it off. We picked valuable lessons there and we will be better in Paris,” Bitok added.

Unlike the Tokyo Olympics where there were two groups of six teams, with the best four progressing to the next round, there are three groups of four teams for the Paris 2024 Games.

Kenya qualified for the Olympics for the second straight time after being crowned continental champions at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon last August.