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Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) women’s volleyball team has intensified its training in preparation for next week’s East African Community (EAC) Military Games and Cultural Event where they are set to defend their title.

Kenya beat Tanzania 3-1 in the final of the last edition held in Burundi. Coach Sila Makiso is keen to lead his charges to a successful title defence when the games serve off on August 12.

“The team has been in a three-week residential training and we had the advantage of using Moi Airbase (MAB) Indoor gymnasium for training. That will be an added advantage for the players as they have acclimatised to playing indoors as opposed to our usual outdoor training ground,” said the tactician.

The side has played three friendly matches in preparation for the games. First against the national team, Malkia Strikers before the national side headed out to Italy where they took part in the 2020 Olympics intercontinental qualifiers.

Starlets followed it up with back-to-back matches against Premier League sides Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

“I have seen some improvement in the three friendly matches. We started out with Malkia Strikers and by the time we were playing DCI, our game had gotten better. I believe we are better tactically and the players are physically fit and ready to defend the title,” said Makiso.

The tactician has a mix of youth and experience in his squad and, despite expecting tough competition, believes the team will reign supreme.

Left attacker Brenda Moremi and the duo of centre Moureen Nagwala and right attacker Damaris Chepkurum, who were enlisted from defunct Nairobi Water, join up with experienced Edna Rotich, Josphine Rotich and Judy Wambui among other to form a formidable side.

“I expect all teams to come hard at us so there will be no complacency on our part. Rwanda has become a powerhouse in volleyball in the region and I expect the same to reflect in these games. Tanzania too managed to pick a set from us in the last encounter and I expect them to put up a good fight,” added Makiso.