Ill-prepared Malkia Strikers fall to Germany in Volleyball World Championship opener

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers endured a tough start to their FIVB Women’s World Championship campaign, falling in three straight sets to Germany in their Group G opener in Phuket, Thailand, on Saturday, 23 August.

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The ten-time African champions put up a brave fight in the first set before succumbing 25-22, then faltered badly in the second, going down 25-8 as the Germans unleashed a flurry of sharp attacks and solid digs that disrupted Kenya’s rhythm.

In the third set, Malkia regrouped and traded points with their opponents, but Germany’s composure and experience sealed the match 25-20.

Captain Meldina Sande hailed her side’s fighting spirit despite the defeat.

"The attitude towards the Germany game was good. We trained well and hoped for a better result,” she said.

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“Germany has been performing well on the world stage, but we came in as African champions, determined to give our best.

Our aim is to win games or at least take a set from the big teams. We will push harder in the next game.”

Germany captain Camila Vaitsel admitted her team entered the match with limited knowledge of Kenya’s playstyle, but was impressed by their resistance.

“We had never faced Kenya before and were surprised by how well they defended and their hard hitting,” she noted.

“In the second set, we focused on reducing pressure, waited for our timing to strike, and it worked.”

Malkia Strikers begin World Championship campaign against Germany

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi praised his players but emphasised the need for more composure on the big stage.

"I’m proud, though not fully satisfied. We had hoped to get at least one or two sets,” he said.

“Germany’s experience at this level made the difference. We must learn to remain confident under pressure.

Moving forward, we need more friendly matches against elite sides for exposure.”

The defeat leaves Kenya, ranked 27th in the world, chasing its first win of the edition. Germany, ranked 11th, moved a step closer to the round of 16 with the victory.

Malkia Strikers now face a stern test against former European champions Poland, ranked third globally, on Monday before wrapping up Group G action against Vietnam (ranked 22nd) on Wednesday.

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Kenya lost in straight sets to Poland during their last encounter at the Paris Olympics.

The championship, held across Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, will see the top two teams from each pool advance to the round of 16.

Pool G Teams: Poland, Germany, Kenya, Vietnam.