Holders Malkia Strikers’ defeated former champions Cameroon in straight sets to earn a slot at the finals of the ongoing CAVB Women’s Africans Volleyball Champions at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.
With the victory at the semifinals, the Kenya women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers have booked a ticket for next year’s Women’s Volleyball World Cup in USA.
Chasing their 11th title, Kenya won 3-0 in 25-20, 25-19 and 25-19 to secure a slot at the finals and will be taking on other Africa powerhouse Egypt at the finals set for Saturday afternoon.
Earlier on, Egypt defeated Rwanda 3-0 (25-05, 25-15 and 30-28)
The winners between Kenya and Egypt will automatically qualify for the 2028 Loss Angeles Olympic Games in USA.
Enjoying a massive home crowd, the buzzing Malkia Strikers dismissed Cameroon with the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya watching from the stands.
“This far you have done well and we call on you to finish the work tomorrow when you play Egypt. The end of the road is for you to qualify for Olympic Games now that you have already qualified for World Cup. The government through the President William Ruto and 58 million Kenyans are behind you and we will be cheering you,” said CS.
“I will talk to the president and you know what that means. But all in all, we are proud of you for what you have achieved so far and I just want you to complete the good work you begun,” he added.
The CS also revealed that they had earlier on held a meeting with FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, CAVB president Hajij Bouchra and Kenya Volleyball Federation executives on ways of bettering the sport saying good things were in the pipeline.
The Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi lauded the team for putting up a good show this far in the competition and urged them to finish the show on high note.
KVF president Charles Nyaberi acknowledged the unwavering support the Ministry has accorded the team saying they remain indebted.
“I want to thank the players for not putting us to shame. FIVB president Azevedo, CAVB president Bouchra, CS, PS and other dignitaries were in attendance and you can imagine how it could have been if the results would have not turned in our favour. But I appreciate the players for making us proud and I hope that tomorrow will not by different,” said Nyaberi.