Chumba suprise package as Malkia Strikers humble Burkina Faso

In a first of hopefully many, the entire squad of 14 players were given an opportunity to be on the court as Malkia Strikers thrashed debutants Burkina Faso by straight-sets in Game Two at the ongoing CAVB Africa Nations Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon. 

Coach Luizomar de Moura stuck with the same starting lineup that played in the opening match against Rwanda and as expected, took the lead to 7-3 before making his first change, a rare occurance for the tactician. 

It was unexpected, but Sharon Chepchumba was the first player off the bench, brought in for Trizah Atuka on service.

However, the few fans that had turned up for the fixture could not enjoy her signature jump serves as she remained cautious, as she is still recovering from her injury, nailing a floater. 

"Her (Chumba) injury was a real blow for us and a real scare given her role. It was demoralising but seeing her in action today was really good. You could see how we celebrated her introduction. We are now confident that she will be ready for the next level of competition," middle blocker Edith Wisah said after the match. 

Kenya's onslaught continued and the lead stretched to 12-4 before Burkina Faso could call for the first timeout to try and put their house in order. 

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The West Africans, however, had nothing on Moura's charges even as the tactician rested another key player, introducing Juliana Namutira for Mercy Moim as the set went on to end 25-10. 

Moura made more changes later in the second set, having started with Atuka, Loice Simiyu, Veronica Adhiambo, Emmaculate Nekesa, Namutira and Agripina Kundu on libero duties.

Burkina Faso nailed the first point of the set with a well crafted attack that caught Malkia Strikers flat-footed but that was as far as they went in the lead. 

Adhiambo made it 1-1 on attack and work go on a four-point scoring spree with three aces in her signature jump service to put Kenya ahead. 

The momentum was set and there was no stopping the Kenyans as they won set 25-9.  

"It was a good match for us and everyone got a chance to play which gives the coach the opportunity to see what the rest can offer in a game situation. 

The competition is shaping up well and we are determined to get 100% record in the pool. We are yet to meet Morocco and Uganda, two teams we acknowledge are stronger than the ones we have faced but the target is finishing top of the group," Wisah added. 

Kenya decided to stick with the youngsters in the third set but for the libero and setting positions where Kundu gave way for Leonida Kasaya while Rose Magoi came in for Nekesa. 

In true fashion of a champion, even the second team was too strong for the West African debutants, going on to win the set 25-10 for another easy win as the match to reclaiming the championship continued. 

Assistant coach Paul Bitok believes that the players that have been handed the opportunity to play who are not in Moura's first choice team have proved themselves worthy of more playing time and will be given the chance in the upcoming matches.