L. MathekaMalkia off to Brazil as World Cup preps begin
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 26.06.22. | 15:55
The team will have another trip to Serbia where they play high profile friendlies before leaving for Poland.
Malkia Strikers travelling squad of 16 players and two tacticians left the country early Sunday morning for the high-level training camp in Brazil.
The team is set to hold a two-month training camp, fully paid for by the International Volleyball Federation, FIVB, in Brazil ahead of friendly matches in Serbia.
Their trip to Brazil was in jeopardy after a Ksh 46 million budget presented to the government was not approved. The team was initially set to travel last Saturday.
“It has been a tough week but we are happy that at long last we are travelling. We want to thank our sponsors Mozzart Bet for everything and promise that results will follow.
We are focused on making it to the second round at World Championships and that journey starts today,” offered skipper Mercy Moim.
Her sentiments were echoed by head coach Paul Bitok, who travelled with the team alongside Japheth Munala, as he expressed delight that the team did let this golden opportunity slip.
"This is the beginning of our transition to the next generation. We are on the right track because the majority are young players. If we can blend this group together for two to four years then Kenya will be at a very good level internationally in future.
This is the best preparations we will have in a long time and the good thing is that we will play a lot of build-up matches. This is good for us because the team will have a chance to correct our mistakes in training and get used to game situations early enough," offered Bitok.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) deputy president Charles Nyaberi, while thanking Mozzart Bet for their support said the team is not as fully equipped and facilitated as they would have liked but at least the girls have left.
"This is just Phase one of this project and we will continue to pursue government to support this team with allowances so that their stay in Brazil is comfortable," Nyaberi said.
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
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