Atuka chasing the Olympic dream in Cameroon

For any sportsperson, the pinnacle of their dreams is no doubt competing at the Olympic Games. 

Anyone with a pathway to such glory would hold it dear and put in blood, sweat and tears to see to it that this is achieved. 

This holds true for one Trizah Atuka, a middle blocker par excellence who has been part of Malkia Strikers for ten years. 

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As the team, currently in Yaounde, Cameroon chasing a back-to-back ticket to the Summer Games, continues their fight for not only the ticket but also a title they last won in 2015 when the competition was hosted in Nairobi, Atuka says this is her opportunity to see her dream come true. 

"I have played in almost every big stages there is, including the world championships, world cup and many African competitions buy the Olympics remain elusive. 

Last time out for the Tokyo 2020 Games I was out injured during the qualifiers and did not make the squad during the competition itself. 

It remains my dream to play at the Olympics and being here gives me that opportunity so it means alot for me," Atuka said as action in Cameroon served off. 

She, alongside skipper Mercy Moim, are the only players in the current squad, who have lifted the championship title, invaluable experience she says has come in handy on her return during such a crucial competition. 

"I have been on this platform since 2013, won some lost others so I know how it feels to be in both situations. 

The lessons picked from these experiences have helped me grow as a player and have come in handy as we play in yet another championship. 

I have shared with the squad, especially the young players, such experience for them to understand what our shortcomings in previous editions have been and that it is normal to go through these phases," she adds. 

Kenya is facing stiff competition from holders Cameroon who have won the last three in Yaounde (2017), Cairo (2019) and Kigali (2021) with the winner assured of the ticket to Paris 2024.