Paris 2024: Malkia Strikers seek improved performance in second group game against Poland

The women’s national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, will be hoping to register a much-improved performance at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games when they take on Poland in their second Group B match on Wednesday night.

The Japheth Munala-coached side succumbed to a straight sets defeat against two-time Olympic champions Brazil in their opening clash played on Monday and will be out to make amends in their second match taking place at the South Paris Arena 6.

Kenya, who are ranked in position 20 in the latest world rankings, will however face a herculean task as Poland are the third best-ranked country in the continent and also won their opening match 3-1 against Japan.

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Speaking ahead of the match, Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka backed the team to deliver a worthy performance especially having gotten the benefit of studying their opponents.

“Against Brazil it was our first match and we hadn’t watched the other teams play but after the first round of group games we had a chance to watch them and that will make a difference. So far, we are doing better on reception and we just need to work on our side-out and make the score,” Atuka said.

On her part, libero Agripina Kundu assured that the team had worked on its weak areas ahead of the tie.

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“Our reception has been good and what we have to work on is our attacking. I am sure when we meet Poland, we shall have rectified our mistakes and we will do well,” she said.

In the 12-team competition, the top two teams from the three groups will be joined by two of the best third-placed teams in the quarterfinals.

Kenya currently sit last in Group B and will face Japan on August 3.

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