Malkia Strikers eye Poland test after Germany setback

Malkia Strikers are seeking to revive their hopes today when they face Poland in their second Group G match at the ongoing FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand.

They complete their group campaign against Vietnam on Wednesday.

The volleyball queens, through their captain Meldina Sande, said they are well aware that victory is crucial if they are to keep their qualification dreams alive.

The ten-time African champions began their campaign on a losing note after succumbing to Germany 3-0 (25-22, 25-8, 25-20) in Saturday’s opener and will need to beat Poland and Vietnam to stand a chance of advancing to the round of 16.

Outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo noted that focus and consistency will be key against Poland. “There are a few things, like reception, which we need to work on."

Sande believes the team has the right attitude heading into the next fixtures after showing glimpses of resilience against a higher-ranked German side.

“The attitude towards the Germany game was good. We had trained well and hoped for a better result,” she said. “We intend to try and win games or even take a set from the big teams. We will push harder in the next game.”

Sande admitted that moments of lost concentration hurt them against Germany.

She added, “We are fighting, but at some point, it’s like we lose hope or concentration. We get to score and have one against one, but by the time they reach 15, even when they beat us with one point, it’s like we panic and maybe lose concentration.”

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi insists the team must remain composed in crucial phases while learning to close out rallies against experienced opponents.

“Our problem is in the finishing, and we hope to manage it better, and we hope to be perfect in our next game. I am proud of the girls as they are a new team,” he said.

“The technical bench has identified key areas where we need to focus on. We need to maximise on how to push opponents, especially towards the end of the set. We tend to lose focus, especially when the scores are at 20 points. We are a young team, just got together, and I do believe with time, we will be ready for our game tomorrow,” the tactician said.

Despite losing in straight sets, Kenya started strongly, running Germany close in the opening set before narrowly losing 25-22.

However, the Europeans dominated the second set 25-8 with sharp attacks and solid digs that broke Kenya’s rhythm, before sealing the win 25-20 in the third.

Germany head coach Giulio Bregoli lauded Kenya’s effort, saying, “We congratulate the Kenyan girls. The first game is usually a tough one. It is always difficult having come from playing in the league. There are a couple of them who are physically fit. The setter, especially, did a good job.  The girls were hitting high balls, which proved to be a challenge for us.”

Kenya, ranked 27th in the world, now turns its attention to former European champions Poland, ranked third globally, before completing group action against Vietnam on Wednesday. 

With only the top two sides in each pool progressing to the round of 16, the road ahead remains steep, but the team is determined to fight to the end in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai, where the championship is being staged.