Malkia Strikers' Josephine Kataa, Merlyn Terry, Marian Sokoiyo and Veronicah Adhiambo/ HANDOUT Coach Geoffrey Omondi believes Kenya has what it takes to beat Cameroon and reach the final of the African Women’s Volleyball Championship as the defending champions’ title defence enters its decisive stage.
Omondi believes his charges have done the necessary work to overcome a Cameroon side he expects to provide a stern test in the semi-final. “We have an uphill task, but we are well prepared. I believe we have what it takes to beat Cameroon. The girls are ready,” Omondi said.
Kenya stormed into the last four after overcoming a stubborn Algeria 3-1 (21-25, 25-7, 25-15, 25-18) in the final quarter-final on Tuesday. The champions were forced to fight back after dropping the opening set but responded emphatically, winning the next three to keep their title defence on course.
Omondi said Malkia must build on the lessons learnt against Algeria, particularly their ability to adjust tactically during matches. “What we needed to work on, we have done, and we are very ready for the semifinals. The girls have done a good job to come this far, but we need to take more lessons from the previous matches,” he said.
He believes tactical flexibility will be crucial against Cameroon, with Kenya needing to maintain their pace while being ready to change strategy when necessary.
“The speed of the ball gave us a set. We have to keep it up and be able to change our strategy just like we did in the match against Algeria,” Omondi said.
The coach was encouraged by the composure shown by his players after Algeria claimed the opening set and believes the blend of experience and youth is giving Kenya an added advantage.
“We have no pressure. Even if we were away from home, we are the defending champions,” he said. “This time, however, as you all know, the injection of fresh blood has boosted us and has been working to our advantage. We are getting in with the experience; we keep growing and improving.”
Omondi said Kenyans are determined not only to retain their continental crown but also to keep their Olympic qualification ambitions alive. “We are looking to defend our title and still go to the Olympics, which is the end goal as well,” he said.
Kenya’s victory over Algeria was powered by aggressive serving, particularly from Terry Tata and Veronica Adhiambo, while Mariana Sokoiyo and Belinda Barasa made their presence felt at the net.
Captain Meldina Sande provided stability in reception alongside libero Josephine Kataa, with Emmaculate Nekesa directing the attack. Sande said the team was ready for Cameroon and called on Kenyan supporters to turn up in large numbers once again.
“We are ready to face Cameroon. We want our fans to come out in large numbers and support us because they made all the difference in our match against Algeria,” she said.
Former Malkia coach David Lung’aho, meanwhile, said Kenya must improve their first-ball reception and adopt quick attacking transitions if they are to overcome Cameroon. Lung’aho praised the champions’ composure against Algeria but warned that they will need to be sharper and faster in the semi-final.
In the other semi-final, Rwanda will face three-time champions Egypt after both sides won their quarter-finals on Tuesday. Rwanda defeated Ghana 3-1, while Egypt swept Tunisia 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-9).
Elsewhere, Algeria defeated Uganda 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 21-25, 15-10) in the 5-8 classification match at Kasarani.
