Malkia Strikers edge Brazilian side by straight sets in second test match

Kenya's Malkia Strikers beat Brazilian Super League B side Sesi Sorocoba by straight sets (28-26, 25-20, 25-15) at the Osasco Gymnasium in their second friendly match in Sau Paulo, Brazil

The team fell by the same scoreline in the first friendly match last week on Friday to Osasco Volleyball Club (25-22, 25-19, 25-23) but the head coach Paul Bitok noted tremendous improvement noted in the first test match that came after a three-week training in Sao Paulo.

On Wednesday, Bitok started the same team that was picked for the first test match including Mercy Moim and Noel Murambi on the left, Lorine Chebet and Edith Wisah as middle blockers, Sharon Chepchumba as the opposite attacker, and Emmanculate Nekesa on setting duties, with Agripina Kundu as liberal.

Bitok noted that there was an overall improvement in the team's blocking, which was an area of concern in the first friendly, as well as improvements on reception and the teams collective efficacy.

However, there is still work to be done on back court defence, services, quick attacks, and transition with the World Championships fast approaching.

The team embarked on an eight-hour road trip to face off with Brazil's U-21 national team in Saquarema on Friday and Saturday. The Brazillian Under 21 side is preparing for the U-21 continental competition coming up in August.

Bitok picks positives from Malkia Strikers loss in friendly match

The Kenyan ladies fell by straight sets to Osasco Volleyball Club (25-22, 25-19, 25-23) last week but Bitok believes there was tremendous improvement noted in the test match that comes after a three-week training in Sao Paulo.

The team is currently preparing for the championship in an FIVB-sponsored camp in Brazil and play Osasco again next week before another week-long camp in Serbia.