Rwanda-based volleyball star and Malkia Strikers ace Meldina Sande has voiced the need for improved infrastructure in Kenya’s sports scene, terming it key to streamlining the game.

The former Prison Queens hitter, fresh from being crowned the Rwanda league Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the best attacker with Rwanda Police, made the remarks on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during a revealing interview with the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF).

Sande holds that despite Kenya possessing the requisite talent, better infrastructure can see Kenyans scale the heights in the game.

“Let’s get serious about infrastructure. The talent is there — but talent alone isn’t enough. Player welfare must be a priority. At the end of the day, players are the heartbeat of this sport. No player, no coach. No player, no federation. Simple,” Sande told KVF Media.

Sande also revealed deliberate investment efforts as key to the Rwandese journey to volleyball greatness. She pointed out the influx of foreigners that included a number of Kenyan players and coaches, formerly plying their trade with the Kenyan teams.

“Rwanda has come a long way. They’re investing in the game — every team has what they need, from gyms to training venues. They’ve started bringing in foreign players too. In a few years, that league will be a serious force. It already showed in the CAVB Club Champs in Nigeria,” she added.

The Kenyan international also spoke about her journey to clinching the 2025 Rwanda National Volleyball League title, admitting that they had to dig deep after a false start in the final against archrivals, APR.

The side mounted a stunning comeback to edge APR VC 3-1 in sets of 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, and 25-22 to clinch the Sunday, May 11, 2025, finals.

“We lost the first match of the finals to APR. But we bounced back and won the next two — that’s how champions are made.” She opined.

Sande’s sentiments mirror those made by Elphas Makuto, another of Kenya’s exports to the Rwanda volleyball clubs.

Makuto, whose Rwanda Police team narrowly lost the league honours to APR in the men’s category, reiterated the call for professionalism.

Hhe says Rwanda has taken concerted efforts to not only professionalise the league but also raise internal standards.

“Every player must have a valid contract. No paper, no play. The federation follows up on welfare and holds clubs accountable. Even the courts? Strictly indoor, high standard. Outdoor volleyball is completely banned.”

“We must fully commit to indoor volleyball. In 2022/23 we did just that — and growth followed. Going back to outdoors is like switching off the lights and hoping to win in the dark,” he opined.

“Teams should know the full fixture list and venues before the season starts. No guesswork. Let’s align with CAVB and FIVB calendars. That’s how pros operate. If Kenya wants to play at the top, we have to start thinking like it,” he said in conclusion.

The foregoing comes barely a month after APR outshone Kenya’s team in the concluded 2025 CAVB Men’s Volleyball games in Libya by finishing fourth.

Kenya’s best-ranked team, the General Service Unit (GSU), finished 10th in the games.