Malkia Strikers jet back after FIVB World Championship in Thailand
By Joel Masibo, August 30, 2025The first group of players from the Kenya National Women’s Volleyball Team, the Malkia Strikers, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday afternoon, August 29, 2025, following their participation in the FIVB World Championship in Thailand.
The contingent was received by top officials of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), including Secretary General Ismael Chege, Vice President Kenneth Tonui, and Treasurer Benard Musumba.
The players who arrived include Celestine Simiyu, Mercy Iminza, Belinda Barasa, Gladys Ekaru, Daisy Leting, and Lorine Chebet, alongside the team’s physiotherapist, Sarah Karongo.
Malkia Strikers’ arrival comes a day after the Kenya Volleyball Federation’s Vice President, Paul Bitok, praised the team for their resilience at the World Championships.
Despite being eliminated following hard-fought defeats to Poland and Germany, the team etched a historic moment with a straight-sets win over Vietnam (25-23, 25-22, 25-18) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Phuket.
Coach Paul Bitok speaks
In his statement on Thursday, August 28, 2025, coach Bitok admitted that Malkia Strikers went to Thailand with a mission, and they accomplished it, despite crashing out of the competition in which they were placed in Group G alongside Germany, Vietnam, and Poland.
”We came with one mission united as one team! We have already achieved an important victory against Vietnam and even took a set from one of the world’s top teams, Poland. The mission continues as we take another big step toward defeating Asia’s best and making history for Kenya. Congratulations to the team! I am proud to lead you as Head of Delegation and as a leader of the federation.” Bitok said.
The campaign started on a rocky note when the team raised public concern over unpaid allowances. Following a viral plea and widespread attention, Paul Bitok confirmed that the issue was swiftly resolved, and the Ministry of Sports intervened, facilitating payments to the players’ accounts just before their opening match against Germany on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Despite falling to Germany (0-3) and Poland (1-3), the Strikers never lost their spirit. Against Poland, they even clinched a set (25-15) before succumbing. That grit laid the foundation for their signature win over Vietnam on Wednesday.
Paul Bitok added that the team is focusing on playing at the higher levels after the World Championships outing while pushing for better rankings.