Ruto hails Junior Malkia Strikers after clinching African Volleyball title
By Mustafa Juma, August 12, 2025President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya’s Under-20 women’s volleyball team, Junior Malkia Strikers, for clinching the African Nations U20 Championship after a thrilling 3–1 victory over hosts Cameroon in Yaoundé on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Ruto stated that the win marks a proud moment for the country, showcasing the unity, talent, and resilience of Kenyan athletes across all sporting disciplines.
“Congratulations to Kenya’s Under-20 women’s volleyball team for delivering a spectacular 3–1 victory over hosts Cameroon to claim the African Nations U20 Championship last night in Yaoundé. From the football pitch to the volleyball court, our athletes are showing the continent what unity, talent, and resilience can achieve,” Ruto stated.
Ruto praises players
The head of state also extended special praise to Terry Tata Mallin, who was named both Best Opposite and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament — her second consecutive MVP streak after stellar performances against Egypt, Senegal, Burundi, and Uganda.
Milka Akinyi also received the President’s applause after being named Best Outside Hitter and commended for her brilliance and consistency throughout the championship.
“Special applause to Terry Tata Mallin, crowned both Best Opposite and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, adding to her MVP streak from four matches against Egypt, Senegal, Burundi, and Uganda. And to Milka Akinyi, our Best Outside Hitter, for her brilliance and consistency throughout the championship,” he stated.
Calling the triumph a “testament to resilience, skill, and unshakeable fighting spirit,” Ruto said the team’s achievement will inspire a new generation of volleyball stars in Kenya.
“This emphatic triumph is a testament to resilience, skill, and an unshakeable fighting spirit, one that inspires a new generation of volleyball stars across Kenya. Hats off, champions! You’ve made the nation proud and proven once again that Kenya shines brightest when we stand together,” the first in command wrote on X.
Junior Malkia Strikers’ triumph
Junior Malkia Strikers have clinched the U20 African Volleyball title following a gutsy performance against traditional rivals Cameroon on Monday, August 11, 2025.
In a tense cliffhanger that encompassed all in guile, grit, and tactical display, Jackline Barasa’s budding charges showed their mettle on enemy territory to down Cameroon 3-1 for the continental bragging rights.
Kenya bagged the clash with scores of 24-26, 25-19, 26-28, and 16-25.
The team had already secured qualification to the upcoming U20 World Championship games following their qualification to the finals.
Kenya, who are ranked first in the volleyball games, qualified along with Cameroon and Egypt, who finished the tournament in third place.
The win served as sweet revenge for Kenya, who had fallen to the West Africans in the preliminary stages.