Omondi happy with Malkia Strikers win over Vietnam, says squad should be in place for 2028 Olympics
Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi had declared that the team that beat Vietnam in straight sets at the 2025 FIVB World Championships in Thailand on Wednesday was the best squad to represent Kenya at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The volleyball team showed their power against the girls from Vietnam and despite the side from Asia not ranked by FIVB, for coach Omondi he was impressed by the good show by Malkia Strikers.
It was actually only the third win for Malkia Strikers at the World Championships having registered their maiden win at the global event in 2018 when they dismissed Kazakhstan also by straight sets then under coach Japheth Munala.
Brazilian coach Louizmar, who took the Malkia Strikers to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo was also able to ensure they won their second match at the World Championships when they saw off African rivals in 2022 in Netherlands.
“I want to commend the players. The game plan was on point, and we didn’t change anything. I’m happy with the overall performance of each and every player. When we were coming here, people had doubts about the young team, and with this result, I think they have confirmed that they deserved to be here. It’s a team to watch. For continuity, I hope that we will have more international matches so that the momentum continues,” Omondi told FIVB media in Phuket on Wednesday.
“After I saw they were not changing their game plan - playing the same system as they played when they hosted us before the World Championhips, I knew we were going to win 3-0. I’m happy and proud of the girls as they manned the entire court. Looking at them on the court, you could think they were many players on court.”
Just like in the opening matches against Germany and Poland, outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo was once again outstanding as Malkia Strikers beat Vietnam 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18) at the Saphan Hin Municipal stadium in Phuket on Wednesday.
Adhiambo had promised to lead her teammates in ensuring that they pick their first win in Thailand despite the fact that they were eliminated from the competition after the two opening losses.
She kept her promise as she terrorised Vietnam both at the front court and also in the back court with setter Emmaculate Nekesa making sure she found her from any angle of attack.
She scored a game high 19 points with middle blocker Belinda Barasa also putting her mark in the game with 13 points while youngster Terry Tata scored 12 points.
But while the trio showed their prowess in attack, it was in defence that the other players also contributed with captain Melinda Sande showing her prowess in the blocks while libero Celestine Nyongesa tried all she could at the back by picking almost the loose balls and showing her power in passing the ball to the setter.
Barasa said it was all about teamwork in the victory over Vietnam.
“The game was nice, and it’s fulfilling that we won against Vietnam, which is not an easy side. Communication on the court was amazing, and the game just flowed. Morale and confidence won us the match,“ said Barasa.