Kenya national volleyball women’s team’s libero Elizabeth Wanyama is ready to improve on her reception as the second leg of the World Grand Prix get underway tomorrow in Algiers, Algeria.
Kenya’s poor reception in the just ended first leg came under sharp criticism as Kenya lost two of their three matches. Kenya fell to Peru and
debutants Colombia in the three-day event staged in Unido Nuevo Leon Gymnasium in Monterey, Mexico. Wanyama admitted she was not at her best in the first leg but promised to make amends.
“It hurts for a player when you know you didn’t rise to occasion at a time you were needed most by your team-mates. As a player, you will always know when you have ha a good or bad game.
“In this event, things didn’t work out for me and it’s disheartening to know that I failed the team. “One thing is for sure, there was no communication between myself and the back court squad and that also contributed to poor reception.
“When we communicate, things run systematically as we are able to know exactly who to receive the ball. This is a new event, nine points are at stake and so, I will put my best foot forward and work together with teammates. Our objective is to bag all the nine available points.”
Wanyama, who was recently feted the best libero during the Africa Cup of Nations staged in Nairobi, noted that victory in volleyball is determined by the reception. She said, unlike the first leg where she was only familiar with Mexico’s game, she had no clue about Peru and Colombia.
This time round, Wanyama said she knows what to expected from their opponents Algeria, Australia and Mexico and how to go about it.
“I know our opponents will be hoping to capitalise on our reception, but we are not going to give them the satisfaction. I have my work cut out and we are here to collect all the nine points and qualify for the final round. This can only be achieved with good reception,” said the Lugulu Girls’ alumni.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Ambassador to Algeria, Moi Lemoshira has called upon the team to extend the good record in Africa to the International events.
Lemoshira said he is happy to be part of the outfit that brings honour and recognition to the nation.
“We are humbled by your presence here in Algeria and we whole heartedly want to wish you all the best. You have what it takes to win all your matches and so I want you to go for the best,” Lemoshira told the players after conducting their afternoon training at the Douira Hall in Algiers,
Algeria.