Malkia Strikers skipper Mercy Moim exudes confidence ahead of World Championships

National women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers safely landed in Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon from Belgrade, Serbia where they held their final training camp ahead of the Women's World Championships. 

Coach Luizomar de Moura is looking to make history with the current squad as the first team to make it to the second round of the competition which would mean winning at least two matches. 

The Kenyans who are pitted against African champions Cameroon, hosts Netherlands, European champions Italy, Puerto Rico and Belgium in the pool stage have maintained that wins against their African counterparts and Puerto Rico are possible. 

In her interview after the team's last friendly match in Belgrade against Serbia national team B, skipper, Mercy Moim said that the team is focused and the win in the friendly gave them confidence that their targets are achievable. 

"We had to talk as players after the loss to Red Star Belgrade and correct what went wrong. After the win against Serbia B, we feel more confident. 

Wavinya ready for new responsibilities in Malkia Strikers

Personally, I have taken the responsibility of defence and covering our back court whenever I am on the floor and leaving the scoring to someone else as that will help the team in achieving good results," she said. 

The team will also rely on the prowess of Africa Championships Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sharon Chepchumba who exuded confidence ahead of the team's departure to Netherlands, having emerged top scorer in their final build up match. 

"The team spirit and effort is encouraging ahead of the championship. We had fewer mistakes in the last match in Serbia and I am confident that will be replicated in Netherlands," offered Chumba. 

Ahead of Friday's serve off, Malkia have landed one more friendly in Netherlands, where they are set to play Canada on Wednesday 16.30 pm local time.