Malkia Strikers eye win against Vietnam after good show against Poland at World Championships

Malkia Strikers might be out of the FIVB 2025 World Championships as expected, but it is their performance in the two losses so far that impressed everyone.

After going down in straight sets of 25-22, 25-8, 25-20 in the opening match in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday to Germany, many did not give the Malkia Strikers a chance against the world’s third ranked side Poland on Monday.

Malkia Strikers however had other ideas and they made the volleyball world to sit up and admire their efforts as they pushed Poland all the way before going down 3-1.

One who did not watch the match might assume it was a routine win for the Poles, but it was far from straight forward.

The Kenyan girls were even able to win a set from the Poles, something that many had thought was impossible leave alone the thought of trying to win a match at the World Championships.

The 3-1 loss (25-17,15-25,25-15,25-14) has given Malkia Strikers motivation as they tackle Vietnam on Wednesday with the hope of winning their first ever match at the World Championships.

Left attacker Veronica Adhiambo Oluoch, who has been outstanding in the opening two matches, said the match against Vietnam provides them with a chance to register their first win at the global stage.

He said a win in the Pool “G” match will put them in a strong position to retain their status as the top team in Africa.

Oluoch emerged as a top scorer for Kenya in the two ties against Germany (19 points) and Poland 18 (points).

“We have three teams from Africa at this stage - Cameroon, Egypt, and Kenya. Kenya is on top of Africa, and we want to guard that position. Vietnam will not have it easy. We will be going for a win,” Oluoch, who has had a stint in Greece with GS Panionios told Kenya Volleyball Federation media.

“We have really improved if our performances against Germany and Poland are anything to go by. If we can extend the same spirit in the match against Vietnam, then we will definitely win,” added the former Kenya Pipeline star.

Kenya, ranked 26 in the latest FIVB World rankings will come up against unranked Vietnam, who are also winless in the group from 1pm East African Time on Wednesday.

Both teams are already eliminated after losing their opening two matches in the competition.