Kenya’s Malkia Strikers defeated Vietnam in their last pool G match at the ongoing FIVB Volleyball World Championship played today at the Saphan Hin Municipal stadium in Phuket, Thailand.
After losing to 3-0 to Germany in the opening fixture and a 3-1 loss to Poland, the Geoffrey Omondi coached side finished the pool with a 3-0 win against Vietnam.
Kenya won the match in 25-23, 25-22 and 25-18 with both teams out of contention for the championship after losing their opening two matches to heavyweights, Poland and Germany.
As Kenya’s Veronica Oluoch kept her prematch promise, exploding to a game-high 19 points for Malkia Strikers with middle blocker Belinda Barasa also found her footing, adding 13 points in the onslaught.
Thi Quyhn was the only Vietnam player hitting double digits, with 12 points.
This was Kenya’s third ever win at the FIVB World Championship, after their 3-0 mauling of Kazakhstan in 2018 under veteran coach Japheth Munala and their victory over Cameroon in 2022 in the Netherlands under Brazilian Louizmar.
Omondi lauded the players, saying every department worked in unison.
Omondi said this was the team to take Kenya to the 2028 Los Angel Olympic Games.
“I want to commend the players. The game plan was on point, and we didn’t change anything. I’m happy with the overall performance of each and every player. When we were coming here, people had doubts about the young team, and with this result, I think they have confirmed that they deserved to be here. It’s a team to watch. For continuity, I hope that we will have more international matches so that the momentum continues,” said an elated Omondi.
“After I saw they were not changing their game plan – playing the same system as they played when they hosted us, I knew we were going to win 3-0. I’m happy and proud of the girls as they manned the entire court. Looking at them on the court, you could think they were many players on court.”
Barasa said teamwork won them the match.
“The game was nice, and it’s fulfilling that we won against Vietnam, which is not an easy side. Communication on the court was amazing, and the game just flowed. Morale and confidence won us the match,“ said Barasa, who plays for KCB Women’s Volleyball Team in the National League.