Kenyan women's volleyballers to play Challenger Cup ahead of Olympics

Record 10-time African women's volleyball champions Kenya, also known as the Malkia Strikers, are set to jet off to the Philippines for the Challenger Cup - their final event before the Summer Olympics in Paris - as reported by CGTN's Mohamed Abubakar.

The team's appearance at the Games will mark the fourth time for the Malkia Strikers to grace the Olympic stage.

The Kenya Women's volleyball team will be Africa's sole representatives in the sport in Paris. The recently-crowned continental champions have been holding a training camp in Nairobi for the past three weeks.

"Going by the mood in the camp, each and every player is psyched up. Every player is ready and willing to do anything to perform well and impress their coaches, so that she can be selected in the team that is going to travel," said Malkia Strikers vice captain Edith Wisa.

The Malkia Strikers landed a stiff draw in Paris after being placed in Pool B alongside Brazil, Japan and Poland. After finishing 12th at Tokyo 2020, they have modest expectations of improving on their performance in France.

"We are in a tough pool, very tough pool, but we are preparing well to showcase our talent in Africa. We intend to improve and make more progress. But if we can win a match, that would be a plus to us," said Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala.

The 10-time African champions are relishing the opportunity to represent not only Kenya, but the entire continent in Paris.

"It's an honor, not only for Kenya but also for Africa. We are going to do our best, knowing we've got Africa on our backs," said Wisa.

(Cover: Leonida Kasaya (#4) of Kenya competes against Brazil during a women's preliminary volleyball match between Kenya and Brazil at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, August 2, 2021. /CFP)