Malkia Strikers, the national women’s volleyball team, is gearing up for the Challenger Cup in Laval, France, where they will face tough competition from hosts France, Colombia, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 25 to July 31.
Preparations for the Kenya Queens are already underway, with training set to commence this week at the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani Indoor Arena. The provisional squad, consisting of 20 talented players, was announced on May 31 at Riadha House in Nairobi.
Led by captain Mercy Moim, Malkia Strikers will embark on an intensive training program in Morocco for over a month before the tournament. They are the only African team benefiting from the International Volleyball Federation FIVB program.
In the previous year, Malkia Strikers underwent rigorous training in Brazil for one and a half months before participating in the co-hosted World Championships by the Netherlands and Poland.
The team’s primary objective in the Challenger Cup is to secure victories and earn valuable points, thereby boosting their chances of qualifying for the prestigious Volleyball Nations League VNL.
Following their campaign in France, Malkia Strikers will proceed to Cameroon to compete in the Africa Nations Volleyball Championships.
It is worth noting that the winner of the ANC tournament will secure an automatic qualification spot for the Paris Olympic Games scheduled for next year. Malkia Strikers will undoubtedly strive to claim this coveted ticket.
