National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala has showered praise on Pamela Adhiambo, who has been Kenya’s standout player in their first two Group B matches against Brazil and Poland.

Before the Paris Olympics, Adhiambo was not a regular starter and had played second fiddle to Sharon Chepchumba. However, she seized the opportunity to join the first team after Chepchumba suffered a knee injury.

Against Brazil and Poland, Adhiambo was Kenya’s top scorer, a performance that has attracted the attention of several club volleyball scouts on the sidelines of the Games.

While Munala hinted at giving some minutes to the injured Chepchumba, he expressed satisfaction with Adhiambo’s performance.

Adhiambo scored seven points against Brazil and doubled her tally against Poland.

“I think it will be difficult to replace Pamela right now. She has been one of our best players in Paris, and I highly doubt if I can risk benching her. She has been improving game after game, and I hope on Saturday she will cause more problems for Japan,” observed Munala.

Munala stated that the team is not giving up on their dream of winning a set at the Paris Olympic Games despite losing 3-0 to Poland at the South Paris Arena on Wednesday night, leaving them winless with one group match remaining against Japan.

The Africa Queens put up a spirited fight but lost (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) to the European giants. This was Kenya’s second defeat in the competition, following a straight-sets loss of 25-14, 25-13, and 25-12 against Brazil on Monday.

While Munala is pleased with his team surpassing a 17-point mark against Poland, he has warned against complacency as they prepare to conclude their Olympics Group B campaign against Japan tomorrow.

“If we prepare well, serve, and receive like we did against Poland, we can pull off an upset against Japan,” stated Munala.

“The girls played their hearts out and followed instructions precisely. They did exactly what we told them after watching and analyzing Poland’s videos. We need to carry the same morale and energy into the next match.”

“We will make a final decision on whether to field Chepchumba after a training session tomorrow (Friday).”