TOKYO 2020: Olympics stars, venue a motivation for Malkia Strikers

Malkia Strikers will be in action on Sunday, 25 July in their first group match at the Tokyo Olympics, playing against hosts Japan. 

The Paul Bitok-coached side had their first training at the competition venue in Tokyo on Thursday, 22 July and the tactician admits that it is one the best they have ever competed in. 

"The competition venue is one of the best. I think it is one of the leading because we have never seen this kind of facility. It is the best arena that we have played in before," 

"We really enjoyed our first training yesterday (Thursday). We were so excited to be in this arena and I believe it will be the same when we play the first match against hosts Japan on Sunday," said Bitok. 

Bitok took over the reins at Malkia Strikers in August 2019 from Shailene Ramdoo, his first assignment as head coach was to guide Malkia Strikers in Morocco where they were seeking to defend their All African Games title, a mission they accomplished. Six months later, the team qualified for the Olympics. 

“We have been here (Japan) for the World Cup and the World Championship, but this Arena is really good. It has a very good atmosphere. Everyone would like to be in this kind of situation, this kind of arena. We are feeling this is the real Olympics. When you are inside alone, you are already motivated because of the facility. I hope we will enjoy using this facility when the competition begins," he continued.

Tokyo 2020: Malkia Strikers out to create history

In addition to the arena, the former Kenyan men's team captain says meeting all these stars at the Olympics village or arenas has motivated the players. The current squad of Malkia Strikers, including the head coach, are making their debut at the Games. 

“It is exciting for the players to be at the Olympics and to meet all the stars. You turn left, right and you see stars. You see them (players) taking a selfie with the stars of this world. Not only in volleyball but there is also basketball, athletics stars etc. It makes them feel they are on the same level. They realise they are stars when they are together. It will really motivate the young ones, the new generation to strive to participate at the Olympics," offered Bitok. 

The tactician also thanked the government, the National Olympic Committee for honouring their pledge and giving the team everything in time.

"I think the Sports Minister Amina Mohamed is doing a good job to all sports. There are no complaints and it makes it very easy for us as coaches to work because we didn’t have problems like before."