Paul Bitok, Malkia Strikers' head coach, has thanked the Kenyan embassy in Brazil for constantly supplying the team with maize flour during their two-month stay in South America.
The Kenyan national volleyball team has benefitted from eating a familiar diet while preparing for the World Championships in the Netherlands and Poland.
On Tuesday, September 13, the Kenyan ambassador to Brazil, Lemarron Kaanto, also paid a visit to the Malkia Strikers at their residential camp in Sao Paulo to check on the team's progress.
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“They (the embassy) have been providing the team with maize flour and we had Ugali every weekend which made us feel at home. We have travelled to different countries but we have never had such support that you have given us,” Bitok stated.
Lemarron Kaanto also flagged off the 14-woman squad ahead of their trip to Serbia. The team will be heading to Serbia on Wednesday, September 14, where they will play two more friendlies.
The Malkia Strikers have been in Brazil for a two-month training camp, where they have played a series of friendlies against local sides.
Bitok together with his technical team promised the ambassador and fans that the team will do its best at the World Championships.
“As the technical team, we assure you of a good result at the championship. We thank you once more and may God bless you,” Bitok added.
Ambassador Kaanto also appreciated the local clubs, the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) and other entities for their support.
The Malkia Strikers who are in group A will kick start their campaign with a match against the hosts Netherlands on Friday, September 23.
They later face Belgium, Cameroon, Italy and Puerto Rico in their subsequent pool matches.