Junior Malkia Strikers land after conquering African Championships
By Joel Masibo, August 13, 2025The Kenya U-20 women’s national volleyball team, Junior Malkia Strikers, danced their way back into the country after landing at JKIA in Nairobi following their victory at the 2025 African Championships in Cameroon.
Malkia Strikers arrived in the country on Wednesday, August 14, 2025, following their continental victory on August 11, 2025.
The team received a warm reception from Kenya Volleyball Federation officials, led by Deputy President Paul Bitok, Deputy Secretary General John Ogara, Executive Member Neddy Nelimo, Nakuru County Chairman John Kiritu, Malkia Strikers Head Coach Geoffrey Omondi, and Trainer Azenga Mavisi.
Also present were the Sports State Department assistant director Joel Atitu and Charles Nyaberi. The Junior Malkia Strikers on Monday night beat host Cameroon 3-1 to bag the African Nations Championship title in Cameroon.
Following the team’s heroics in Cameroon, former National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Paul Tergat said Junior Malkia Striker’s triumph at the African Championships paved the way for world titles.
”Our Queenslets, the Junior U20 Malkia Strikers, reaffirm the indomitable talents within our sports ecosystem when powered full steam. With their Africa Under-20 Champs title, the pathway to the world title has just begun. Hats off for playing your hearts out for Kenya,” Tergat said.
Journey to African Championships glory
In a gripping showdown full of skill, resilience, and tactical precision, coach Jackline Barasa’s youthful side proved its dominance on Cameroonian soil. The final set scores stood at 24-26, 25-19, 28-26, and 25-16 in Kenya’s favour.
By reaching the final, Kenya had already sealed a ticket to the upcoming U20 World Championships, joining Cameroon and bronze medalists Egypt in representing Africa. The triumph also served as payback for Kenya’s earlier group-stage loss to the West Africans.
The match opened poorly for Kenya, conceding five straight points before Barasa called an early timeout. Cameroon’s height and blocking prowess initially gave them the edge, but errors in service and a drop in intensity allowed the visitors to snatch the opening set 26-24.
Cameroon responded strongly, using tight blocking to neutralise Kenya’s star attacker, Terry Tata, and took the second set 25-19. The third set turned into a tense back-and-forth. Tata, who had shone throughout the tournament, showcased her attacking craft to put Kenya ahead 20-15. Cameroon fought back to level, but Kenya held firm in a thrilling finish, edging the set 28-26.
Riding on momentum, Kenya stormed into the fourth set with Sheila Khasandi’s precise serving helping them race to a 10-0 lead. Despite a brief rally from the home side, front-row players Milka Apuoyo and Patricia Chemutai restored a comfortable cushion. Kenya closed out the match 25-16, sealing the coveted title for the Junior Malkia Strikers.