World Volleyball Championship: Malkia Strikers’ star spills secrets to sterling performance
By Luke Oluoch, August 24, 2025Malkia Strikers attacker Veronica Adhiambo Oluoch has revealed the secrets to her impressive start to the ongoing FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand.
Speaking on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after Kenya’s 3-0 defeat to Germany, the opposite hitter noted that she had to adapt a change of strategy to her hits after learning of their opponents’ strengths in the ongoing global volleyball championship.
Targeting touch-outs
“We have noted that the opponents are blessed with good height, so I have adopted a strategy of trying to hit the ball with hopes of getting a touch-out. I noted that when you hit it directly, they have good recoveries,” she stated.
Adhiambo has been Kenya’s shining spot in the game. She clocked 19 points in the opener as Kenya just fell short of a win in the loss to the European rivals.
She has, however, remained positive following the loss, stressing that the team’s chances to improve and get a win are within reach.
“The game has been good; we played well and have instances where we need to work, like our reception and fighting to remain in the games,” she added.
“We have been going toe-to-toe with our rivals only to lose it when the opponents take a slight edge later on. The players seem to get derailed and take their feet off the pedal,” she stated.
The clash staged at the Saphan Hin Municipal Stadium in Phuket, Thailand, kicked off with Kenya battling their European rival in close quarters.
The team, however, fell short late in the set, losing on a narrow 22-25 scoreline.
The African champions, however, suffered a costly dip in the second set as Germany steamrolled them in a one-sided encounter, winning the set 25-8.
Next opponent
The superiorly ranked Germans (ranked 12th in the FIVB World Rankings) wrapped up the test in the final set by edging the Strikers 25-20.
Kenya now shifts focus to Monday, 25 August, when they clash against the formidable European giants Poland. The team placed third in the world ranking and is expected to offer yet another fierce test for the 10-time African champions.
The team will conclude its pool test against Vietnam on Wednesday, 27 August.
Strikers under coach Geoffrey Omondi are placed in a tough Pool G alongside Poland, Germany, and Vietnam.