L. MathekaRed Star tip Malkia Strikers to impress at world championships
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 23.09.22. | 08:30
The national women's volleyball team open their campaign against hosts Netherlands on Friday 23 September.
Former Serbian women's volleyball team players Ana Živojinović and her club, Red Star, head coach Ratko Pavlicevic we're both impressed by Malkia Strikers' form and have tipped the side to do well in Netherlands.
Malkia Strikers camped in Belgrade, Serbia for a week where they held their final training camp and played two friendly matches against Red Star Belgrade and Serbian national team B ahead of the Women's World Championships.
"We had a good game and I hope that Kenya makes a good impression at the World Championships. They have the chance to show that everything is possible and I know they can get the results with the squad they have," Ana offered.
Her coach backed her in his post-match interview, arguing that the final result was not as important as helping Kenya get ready for the global competition.
"I am sure Kenya will give a good account of themselves in Netherlands. Watching Kenya play was not new for me as i have watched some of their videos and I know this is a good side especially physicall. I see that the squad has some young players who, given the time, will be competing at the top level," coach Pavlicevic said.
Action at the World Championships serves off on Friday 23 September for Malkia Strikers as they face hosts Netherlands at Arnhem.
Netherlands are the clear favourites in their opening Pool A match against Kenya. The home crowd will certainly be the Netherlands’ ‘15th player’ at this World Championship.
Coach Avital Selinger’s selection of 14 players is highlighted be the presence of experienced playmaker Laura Dijkema, who will be sharing setting responsibilities with Britt Bongaerts.
Malkia Strikers coach Luizomar De Moura will rely on the leadership of 33-year-old captain Mercy Moim, the spiking prowess of 23-year-old opposite Sharon Chepchumba and, most of all, on the team’s fighting spirit to guide them into the next round.
Netherlands and Kenya met twice in 2019, with the Dutch celebrating straight-set wins on both occasions. First, they mastered a 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-10) shutout in a Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier in Italy. Then they hammered out a 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-17) sweep at the FIVB Volleyball World Cup in Japan.
The Netherlands competed at as many as 14 of the previous World Championship editions. Four years ago, they finished fourth in their best result so far.
Kenya have played at six World Championships, and registered their first-ever win only at their most recent appearance in 2018, a straight-set victory over Kazakhstan.
Additional information by Volleyball World
