S. OchiengMalkia Strikers touch down in Brazil as World Championship preparations begin
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 28.06.22. | 12:37
Malkia's Brazil trip was in jeopardy after a Ksh 46 million budget presented to the government was not approved
The women’s national volleyball side Malkia Strikers have already started their preparations for the upcoming 2022 FIVB Women’s World Championships set to be hosted jointly by Netherlands and Poland from 23 September to October 15.
The Paul Bitok led charges hit the ground running on Tuesday after safely landing in Brazil where the team, sponsored by lead gaming firm Mozzart Bet, is set to hold a two-month training camp, fully paid for by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
After completing that training camp, the side is set to play friendly encounters in Serbia who are the defending women's volleyball champions.
"After landing safely in Brazil, Malkia Strikers have hit the ground running at their Sao Paulo base. The team began their two-month training camp on Tuesday courtesy of FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment Programme," the Malkia Strikers communicated.
It’s all systems go for Malkia Strikers after arriving safely in São Paulo, Brazil.
— Samuel Gacharira (@SamuelGacharira) June 28, 2022
The team of 16 will train at the home ground of Osasco Volleyball Club for two months ahead of the World Championships slated from September 23 to October 15 in Netherlands and Poland. pic.twitter.com/bBBGLQbXo2
In Brazil, Malkia will have an all-round access to state-of-the-art facilties and will train at the home ground of Osasco Volleyball Club for the duration in preparation for the World Championships.
Kenya is in Pool A alongside hosts Netherlands, European champions Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico and African rivals Cameroon.
Despite Kenya being the lowest-ranked team at position 27 of the six in Pool A according to the latest women’s ranking, Bitok is positive the team can stage upsets and make history. Italy and Netherlands are in the top ten as Belgium, Puerto Rico, and Cameroon occupy the 13th, 17th, and 20th positions respectively.
Traveling party
Outside hitters - Noel Murambi, Mercy Moim, Meldine Sande, Yvonne Wavinya and Veronica Adhiambo
Middle blockers - Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa, Gladys Ekaru, Lorine Chebet and Magdaline Mwende
Opposite attackers - Violet Makuto and Sharon Chepchumba
Setters - Emmaculate Nekesa and Veronica Kilabat
Liberos - Veronica Makokha and Aggripina Kundu
Coach - Paul Bitok, Assistant coach - Japheth Munala
DRAW
Pool A: Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Cameroon, Kenya
Pool B: Poland, Turkey, Dominican Republic, Korea, Thailand, Croatia
Pool C: USA, Serbia, Germany, Bulgaria, Canada, Kazakhstan
Pool D: Brazil, China, Japan, Colombia, Argentina, Czech Republic
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