Malkia Strikers kicked off their Africa Nations Championship on the wrong footing by losing 3-0 to rivals Cameroon at the Kigali Arena on Sunday 12 September 2021. The Cameroonians were businesslike, cruising to a 3-0 win over the nine time champions in sets of 25-20, 25-21 and 25-19 in a clash that the Malkia Strikers simply couldn't garner a response.
The Kenyans were a pale shadow of the side that had not lost to the same opposition since 2019 with head coach Paul Bitok blaming the unforced errors, poor reception, service and inexperience as their biggest undoing. “I’ve introduced three new players in the squad and sometimes it’s difficult to match your opponents who are champions with a fresh starting line up. Cameroon had energy, a self-belief and a collective desire about the match and were spot on in almost all their departments." Said Head Coach Paul Bitok.
“Some of the stars like Chepchumba (Sharon) and Moim (Mercy) were not hundred percent fit because they have just shaken off their injuries and that is why they were not attacking to their usual best. We’ve missed Wacu and her absence has hurt us a lot, especially in the setter position. Luseneka (Joy) and Mutinda (Esther) have tried but Wacu is very experienced and having her in the team brings confidence because she is a key figure in volleyball.” he added.
Kenya will be out to right their wrongs when they face DRC Congo in the second pool ‘B’ match starting 12pm while Cameroon face tricky Tunisia starting 10am. The nine team tournament sees teams split in two pools. Kenya,Cameroon, Tunisia, DR Congo and Burundi make up Pool B with hosts Rwanda, Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria make up Pool A.