Malkia Strikers land tough pool in FIVB tourney
Kenya's national women's volleyball team players before their pool match against Poland at the 2024 Olympic Games.
What you need to know:
- Kenya earned their spot in the prestigious tournament after winning the 2023 Confederation of Africa Volleyball Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Along with Kenya, Egypt and Cameroon will represent Africa at the World Championship after finishing in the top three positions at the African Nations event.
Kenya’s women’s volleyball team has been drawn into a tough Pool “G” ahead of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, which will be held at Phuket Municipal Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The championship will take place from August 22 to September 7.
According the pools released Tuesday, Malkia Strikers, ranked 22nd in the FIVB August 30 rankings, has drawn Poland (6th), Germany (12th), and Vietnam (33rd). The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16.
Kenya earned their spot in the prestigious tournament after winning the 2023 Confederation of Africa Volleyball Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Along with Kenya, Egypt and Cameroon will represent Africa at the World Championship after finishing in the top three positions at the African Nations event.
Malkia Strikers coach Japheth Munala acknowledged that the pool was tough, but remains optimistic about the team’s chances if they prepare adequately.
“It’s a tough pool, but if we prepare well, Vietnam is beatable. Poland and Germany are both strong sides, but we hope to bridge the gap,” said Munala. “As much as we didn’t win any match at the Paris Olympics, we bridged the gap with top nations like Japan, and I believe with good preparations, we can beat Vietnam.”
Munala, who also coaches Kenya Volleyball Federation Women's National League champions KCB Volleyball Team, added that Malkia Strikers needs to focus on improving their speed in both attack and blocking, as well as enhancing their reception.
"We have young players who have shown intent, so we will be spoilt for choice when the time comes. A department like the center position will need proper overhaul, while the opposite position has good players. The selection of players will be a headache, which will make it more interesting," he said.
Players such as Loose Simiyu, Sharon Chepchumba, Pamela Adhiambo, and Mercy Iminza will be jostling for spots, while Terry Tata and Deborah Jesang will also be in the mix for selection.
