Kenya women national volley team, the Malkia Strikers sealed qualification to the 2020 Olympics on Thursday night after whipping Nigeria 3-0 to book Africa’s lone ticket to the Tokyo showpiece.
Paul Bitok’s girls had defeated Egypt 3-1, 3-0 and hosts Cameroon 3-2 on their way to the final against the West Africans whom they saw off with ease to end a 16-year wait.
Malkia Strikers last appeared at the Olympics during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
STAND OUT
It was, at all standards, a huge feat for the girls who have over the years represented the country well in different competitions across the globe. It has arguably been Kenya’s most consistent team in recent years and of all time.
The qualification matches also gave birth to a first rising star, Sharon Chepchumba. The 21-year old wing-spiker was one of the standout players for Bitok’s charges on Yaoundé and she is definitely one for the future.
NO SUPPORT
Despite the hard work and commitment they have shown over the years, the team has never received adequate government support but as usual sports cabinet secretary, Amina Mohamed was quick to celebrate and praise the team on social media after they sealed qualification on Thursday.
Celebrating Malkia Strikers' qualification for the #TokyoOlympics2020.Having exhibited unmatched skill& exceptional team spirit, there's no doubt that they will excel in Tokyo! Preparations to fully facilitate #TeamKenya for the Olympics are well underway #TwendeKazi @NOC_Kenya pic.twitter.com/Ciy7brCMGZ
— AMB.(Dr.) Amina C. Mohamed (@AMB_A_Mohammed) January 9, 2020
What Amina and his office do not understand is that the Malkia Strikers and other national teams are capable of achieving greater things in international competitions if only they got the support they needed.
KICKED OUT
Last August Malkia and the athletics teams were kicked out of a Nairobi Hotel over nonpayment of hotel bills by the ministry as they prepared for the 12th edition of the African Games.
How embarrassing for a national team to be kicked out of a hotel in Nairobi!
The minister needs to tear down on glory hunting and be part of our teams’ success by doing the work she was appointed to do. Malkia Strikers and other teams should never appear to be begging when they have national team assignments.
Lastly, I want to congratulate coach Bitok for masterminding the qualification. Our prodigal son is back and he is already doing great things. For that, we forgive him for being in ‘exile’ for too long!