Kenya’s volleyball technical bench believes both Wafalme and Malkia Strikers can play in the final of the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Team manager Kenneth Tonui said the Kenyans have what it takes to feature in the finals and win the trophies.
“Malkia are set to face Egypt in the semi-final and I don’t see them beating us twice in a row,” he said.
Kenya lost to Egypt at the CAVB African Games Zone Five qualifiers in January in Cairo.
“We are on a mission to win it for our captain (Mercy Moim — who is mourning his husband and mother-in-law),” said Tonui.
“I don’t think Egypt will stand in our way. We are working on a plan and I am sure things will work our way.”
Malkia were not at full strength in January.
“We didn’t have Veronica Aluoch, who plays professional volleyball in Greece, and Sharon Chepchumba — who was injured,” revealed Tonui.
With Aluoch back in the team, the official said things are different.
“Besides, the team is inspired and wants to win the title for their captain. Aluoch’s standards are on another level. I pity the Egyptians,” he quipped.
Both teams are yet to drop a set in Accra. Wafalme face Cameroon.
“The team that finished fourth in our pool snatched a set from them (Cameroon) and gave them a run for their money yet we had beaten them 3-0,” he noted.
Kenya and Cameroon are at par and Tonui believes only tactical execution will win.
“Cameroon fear Kenya and going by what I have seen, we start this match as favourites,” he said.
The team is missing four pros but Tonui says this is an opportunity for the rest to show what they can do.
He sees them as a team for the future but... “they need to play many friendly matches in and outside Africa,” he said.
To reach the semis, Wafalme beat Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 25-21).
Coach Japheth Munala said morale is back in the Malkia line-up after cancelling training sessions following Moim’s double tragedy.
“They want to win the title for their captain and I don’t see anyone stopping them,” he noted.
