Malkia Strikers bow out of World Volleyball Championship after defeat to Poland
By Luke Oluoch, August 25, 2025The Malkia Strikers have been eliminated from the World Volleyball Women’s Championship following a 3-1 defeat to Poland this Monday, August 25, 2025.
Kenya failed to make count of a second set resurgence, bidding the Thailand tournament goodbye in their second defeat in the championship against the world number 3.
Just as in their opener against Germany, the record African champions were outclassed by fine margins by the marauding Polish en route to the crushing exit from the tournament.
“Kenya stood tall against world #3 Poland, bouncing back in style to claim Set 2 with a commanding 25-15 win after dropping the opener.
“Though Poland sealed the match 3-1 (25-19, 15-25, 25-15, 25-15), our queens showed they can rise to the occasion against world-class opposition. One set against a global powerhouse is a big statement of our fight, spirit, and progress. Heads high as we turn our focus to Vietnam in our final clash,” a statement from Malkia Striker read.
With no points from their opening two games, Kenya’s elimination was confirmed with Germany’s victory in the other group tie against Vietnam.
The European side recorded a clean 3-0 sweep over Vietnam to keep their momentum alive with qualification to the next stages.
Middle blocker Camilla Weitzel spearheaded the Germans’ prowess, firing 15 points in the match.
Germany joined Poland among the teams progressing from the group after two wins in as many games.
After a close battle that ended just short in a 19-25, Geoffrey Omondi’s team, inspired by Veronicah Odhiambo’s thunderous spikes, rallied back to grab the second set 25-15.
Undone by Polish serving
A series of uncoordinated displays and unforced errors punctuated a game 3 that the team would be eager to forget.
Despite signs of resurgence with tremendous blocking on the net and U20 KCB youngster Terry Tata also showing her mettle on the elevated stage in the third set, the Polish reigned supreme to bang the door on their African rivals.
Omondi’s team was particularly undone by the Polish star player’s massive six consecutive points from serving, as Kenya once again struggled to contain her powerful serves.
Kenya now shifts focus to their final Group F clash against Vietnam. The final pool test is against Vietnam on Wednesday, 27 August, and will, however, go down as a dead rubber.
Malkia Striker’s preparation for the games was derailed with news of financial constraints after the team’s arrival in Thailand.