Bitok outlines areas of concern ahead of Challenger Cup assignment

Malkia Strikers go to battle on Friday 28 July when they line up against Colombia in their first ever FIVB Challenger Cup.

Ahead of the match, Malkia who arrived in France in Tuesday from Morocco where they held a three-week training camp at the FIVB facility, played a friendly match against Mexico on Wednesday.

In a build-up match that both sides had agreed to play only four sets, Kenya managed a 2-2 2 (20-25, 14-25, 25-11,25-14) draw with assistant coach Paul Bitok, in his post-match report, observing that the team had improved in most area.

However, he says their reception remains an area of concerning noting that Kenya was not effectively connecting with Mexico’s strong receptions for perfect reception.

“The team played well in most departments. We just need to improve on our reception. We had strong attacks and hope the same momentum will be carried to the actual tournament.

Mexico had strong services, good back court defense and quick attacks that challenged us. Their quick system and strong defense make them one of the teams to watch in this competition,” Bitok offered while declaring the team ready for competition.  

During the friendly match, Bitok noted that the new rules were put to the test where two timeouts are accorded a team in each set with a side expected to call for the first one before the 12th score for either team or forfeit the timeout. The change over rule was also observed in an effort to have the side familiarize themselves with actual game situations.

The winner of the quarters clash between Kenya and Colombia will play the winner between Mexico and Sweden. The four semis are slated for 29 July.

Kenya is hoping to pick crucial points that will count towards their Paris Olympics qualification and to make sure of that, Malkia Strikers are scheduled to play one more friendly match before leaving for Cameroon for the Africa Nations Cup slated for next month.

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