Kenyan firebrand Malkia Strikers has been placed in the ‘group of death’ following the confirmation of the pools for the Paris Summer Games.

Malkia Strikers face a gigantic task after being pooled alongside world leaders Brazil, fourth-ranked Poland, and Asian giants Japan who are placed seventh in the world rankings.

Kenya will be making back-to-back appearances in the global showpiece after emerging winners in the African Championships held in Yaounde, Cameroon in August 2023.

Prior to Tokyo, Kenya’s last appearance at the Olympics was in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Games.

Malkia Strikers’ opponents

After the draw in Bangkok, Thailand, Kenya are in Pool B alongside Brazil, Poland, and Japan while Pool C will include Italy, Turkey, Netherlands, and the Dominican Republic. Pool A will be formed by Champions USA, France, China and Serbia.

Malkia Strikers will be haunted by the ghosts of Tokyo where they crashed out in the group stages, suffering losses to both Japan and eventual finalists Brazil.

Kenya also suffered defeats to bronze medalists Serbia, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic as they finished bottom of Group A in the delayed Tokyo showcase.

New format

The 2024 Olympic Games will be characterized by three single round-robin pools of four teams each.

The pool winners, runners-up, and the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals, initiating the single-elimination bracket that progresses to the semifinals and ultimately to the medal matches, which will determine the Olympic podium.

Challenger Cup

The Kenya Volleyball Federation has already selected the team that will represent Kenya first in the Challenger Cup in Manila, Philipines from July 4 to July 7 before heading to Paris for the Olympics.

The team comprising of 19 players is currently in residential camp training in Kasarani, where three players will be dropped before heading to Miramas, France for their Olympic camp.

Malkia Strikers provisional squad

Trizah Atuka, Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa, Lorine Chebet, Veronicah Adhiambo, Juliana Namutira, Meldina Sande, Leonida Kasaya, Jemimah Siang’u, Mariam Musa, Esther Mutinda, Immaculate Nekesa, Sharon Chepchumba, Loice Simiyu, Mercy Iminza, Pamela Adhiambo, Agripina Kundu, Lincy Jeruto and Delphine Misoki.

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