Bitok hoping for one last Samba dance before trip home

Malkia Strikers are set to jet back home tentatively on 8 September, from Brazil, with little time to rest before leaving for Belgrade, Serbia for close to ten days of friendly matches ahead of their participation at the World Championships.

Head coach Paul Bitok says the team is trying to make the most of the remaining time in Brazil, where they have been undergoing training under a FIVB -sponsored program, and play one last build up match.

Bitok backs youngsters to shine after Brazil camp

The tactician, however, admits getting an opponent when the Brazilian teams have gotten busier with the commencement of their calendar events will be a tall order.

“Most of the teams are already in competition and not easy to accept to play friendlies. We are pushing to get a t least one more match by the weekend as we want to gauge ourselves one last time before getting home. We are likely to land one with OSASCO club but that is still in the pipeline,” offered Bitok.

The team is preparing for the FIVB World Championships slated for 23 September to 15 October in Poland and Netherlands. The side is in group A that also has European champions Italy, hosts Netherlands, African champions Cameroon, Belgium and Puerto Rico.

Coach Bitok has admitted that the team is still struggling with reception but in a quick rejoinder says they have worked around it and he is confident the team will perform better at the championship.

“It is still not easy to reach the expected levels. We have, however, tried to work on better setting and attacking and we are able to get point out of any reception,” explained the tactician.

The side has won three of their ten friendly matches played during their two-month stay in Brazil.