Malkia Strikers, the national women’s volleyball team coach, Paul Bitok, is optimistic about their debut appearance at the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup in Naval, France, which kicks off on Friday at Espace Mayenne.
Despite being nine-time African champions, the team faces challenges in reception, which they acknowledge as their biggest undoing.
Bitok, who is assisting Luizomar De Moura, highlighted the team’s improvements in attacking and other areas, but reception remains a concern. However, he expressed confidence in the players’ good shape after a three-week camp in Morocco.
The Challenger Cup is an annual international tournament featuring eight nations and serves as a qualifier for the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
Malkia Strikers arrived in Laval on Tuesday after completing a High-Performance Training Camp in Rabat, Morocco.
During a build-up match against Mexico, the team drew 2-2 in Laval, with captain Mercy Moim, attacker Sharon Chepchumba, middle blockers Belinda Barasa and Edith Wisa, and emerging talent Veronica Adhiambo receiving starts.
The final squad of 14 players was announced on Monday before the team’s departure to France, with Yvonne Wavinya and Gladys Ekaru not making the cut.
Following the Challenger Cup played in a knockout format, the team will head to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations from August 15 to 25.
