Malkia Strikers send strong message days after crying for help
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 24, 2025Kenya women’s volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, are preparing for their second Pool “G” match against Poland in the FIVB World Championship in Phuket, Thailand, on Monday, August 25, 2025.
The African champions lost their opening match to Germany in straight sets (22-25, 08-25, 20-25) on Saturday, but coach Geoffrey Omondi remains upbeat about the team’s prospects.
“The players did a fantastic job against Germany, and we hope that same energy will carry over to our match against Poland. We have trained hard to correct the areas we were weak in during the Germany game. I truly believe we can cause an upset,” Omondi said, speaking after Sunday’s training session.
Omondi, who also coaches Kenya Pipeline, the National League champions, added:
“If we can win a set or two, or even the match outright, it will be a huge achievement. This team has the potential to compete at the highest level, especially with international friendlies like we had before this championship. All this preparation is aimed at the 2028 Olympic Games.”
Strikers ready for Poland
The Malkia Strikers have played friendlies against Spain and hosts Vietnam in preparation for the tournament. They will conclude the pool stage with a final match against Vietnam on Wednesday. Only the top two teams from the preliminary round will advance to the next stage.
Captain Meldina Sande confirmed that some players have now received their overdue allowances, boosting morale.
“We thank the Ministry of Sports for their support. The team is now settled and focused on recording positive results. We also thank Kenyans back home for their encouragement, and we hope to make them proud,” said Sande, who plays for Rwanda Police.
The team had previously raised concerns over unpaid allowances dating back to their training camps in Kenya, Vietnam, and Thailand. Players expressed frustration over repeated delays, stating that financial uncertainty had distracted them ahead of the World Championships.
“We are also your children. Motivate us. The CS promised us that our money would come. We are suffering, and that’s why we are making this kind of video.” Their sponsor had stepped in to cover some costs, including accommodation and training kits,” the team appealed directly to President William Ruto.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s game, Sande emphasised:
“We are going to work so hard because tomorrow we are facing Poland. And Poland, of course, is a good team. So we are just going to work on the small mistakes that we did towards the German team so that maybe we will be able to deliver a different kind of result, which will be impressive, of course.”
Coach Omondi added that improving finishing would be key.
“We only need to work on finishing, as that let us down in the previous match. We will push point by point and won’t give Poland an easy time. If they are not careful, tutapita na wao,” he said.