Malkia Strikers’ Veronica Adhiambo admits to pressure as Paris Olympics near
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 03.07.24. | 09:03
Seven of the team's 13-member squad are likely to be making their debut at the Games
Ahead of making her debut at the Olympic Games in Paris, Malkia Strikers’ outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo is one of the key players coach Japheth Munala will rely on.
Currently plying her trade professionally, with Tarsus Belediyespor of Turkey, Adhiambo who played a crucial role in Kenya’s qualification for the Paris Games during the African Championship hosted in Cameroon last year, is ready to take up the mantle and help Kenya post good results at the Games.
“We have a good squad that can compete at that level,” Adhiambo told Mozzart Sport ahead of the team’s departure to Manila, Philippines where they play the FIVB Challenger Cup before heading out to Miramas for a National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K)- sponsored camp ahead of the Games.
Making her debut for Malkia Strikers in 2021 during the African Nations Championship in Kigali, she became a team mainstay, breaking into the starting lineup during the FIVB World Championships held in 2022.
What’s more, the 24-year-old goes to battle without former skipper Mercy Moim whom they shared responsibilities on the court and will be expected to provide leadership.
“She (Moim) is an experienced and talented player and her absence throws me in the deep of things as I have to fill those shoes and ensure the other players in that position can count on me.
"It is a huge responsibility on my debut at the Olympics but I am ready. Playing these Games is a dream come true and I am ready to soak in the pressure and excel,” Adhiambo continued.
With the final Olympic squad set to be named after the Challenger Cup matches where Kenya plays Puerto Rico in the single-elimination quarters, coach Munala is expected to name Adhiambo in his starting squad with league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Juliana Namutira, Leonida Kasaya, Jemimah Siangu and Meldina Sande looking to make the team in that position too.
If the world rankings remain unchanged, these will be the match-ups for the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup in 🇵🇭 Manila, Philippines. #FIVBChallengerCup pic.twitter.com/hBzkIYOCw0
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) June 16, 2024
