Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka has expressed her happiness and sense of privilege after being chosen as Kenya’s flag bearer for the unique opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games, which will take place on the River Seine in Paris, France, on Friday.
Atuka was selected alongside Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, by the National Olympics Committee of Kenya’s commission and board for this historic event, marking the first time an Olympic opening ceremony will be held away from a stadium.
“I am very humbled to be selected for the role. It is a great privilege and I feel I am ready for the task ahead of the games,” Atuka stated.
Atuka will be making her Olympics debut after missing the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games due to an injury, while Omanyala will be making his second Olympics appearance, with mounting pressure to secure his first medal at the global event.
“We have prepared well for the games both at home and during the camp in Miramas. The spirit is high and the teamwork from all stakeholders is great, so we are ready for the task ahead,” Atuka noted.
Malkia Strikers will commence their campaign against third-ranked Brazil on Monday, followed by a match against seventh-ranked Poland on Wednesday. They will conclude the group stage with a game against ninth-ranked Japan on August 3rd.
Skipper Atuka remains optimistic about their performance. “It’s a very tough group, and we have to treat every game as a final. I know the girls will be up to the task to make Kenyans proud,” said the team captain.
