L. MathekaInjury scare for Malkia Strikers' star ahead of African tourney
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 15.08.23. | 19:29
Coach Luizomar de Moura says the situation was unexpected but it will be dealt with.
National women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers are likely to miss the services of opposite player Sharon Chepchumba, who has become the engine of the team, for three days.
Chepchumba, who is in Yaounde, Cameroon, with the team ahead of the CAVB African Nations Championship set to serve off on Wednesday 16 August was taken off in the second set of a friendly match against Rwanda.
The PAOK player was running rings around the Rwandese in the first set but twisted her foot awkwardly and was taken off and received courtside help from the team's physiotherapist.
In her absence, youngster Loice Simiyu was called to action and despite a loss of concentration that saw Rwanda lead by nine points early in the set, they recovered and rallied on to win the set 27-25 and the match by straight-sets in 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-14).
"It is not a serious injury thankfully. I think the pain I am feeling is just from the initial impact," offered Chumba as she watched her teammates finish the battle she couldn't.
Assistant coach Paul Bitok, while acknowledging that her absence could be detrimental if the team is to be paired with strong opposition early on in the preliminaries, was happy to note that Chumba was wearing an ankle-protective gear that likely saved the day.
"She will have to rest for two or three days and that is unnerving. We have, however, been preparing for such an eventuality as this is part of the game and I am impressed with how Loice Simiyu performed after settling in.
Luckily, we have several other players who can switch positions if need be. We will be able to adjust to this situation," Bitok explained after the team's friendly.
Malkia Strikers Ready to Conquer 2023 Africa Women's Nations Cup
— CAVB (@CAVBPress) August 14, 2023
they are locked, loaded, and geared up for the 2023 AWN Cup, taking place in Cameroon ; Led by Captain Mercy Moim, the team is primed to reclaim the African Title last held by Kenya in 2015. pic.twitter.com/hR1QkWAexA
Coach Luizomar de Moura says the situation was not expected but it will be dealt with.
"We have a great team physio who will work intensively with Chumba to get her ready for competition.
We will evaluate how soon she can get back into action and make any adjustments needed and adapt to have her ready for the most important matches.
Luckily we have the equipment required to work on such instances and we are confident she will be back soon," Moura said.
