Malkia strikers prepares for their second warm up match in France

The National women's volleyball team Malkia strikers are preparing to play their second warm-up match on Thursday in Miramas France as they step up their preparations for the Olympic games due to start next week in Paris.

On Monday, the National side beat Istress of Mirams three sets to nil to kick start their preparations.

Head coach Japheth Munala says they could play the local boys' team in order to gauge their readiness for the tournament as well as work on their weaknesses.

Munala was quick to admit the match they played on Monday gave them an opportunity on areas they would work on, especially ball reception and the net difference.

However, the head coach says he was impressed with the team so fast saying that he had not seen that explosive side of the National side in a while.

He says Thursday's match will also allow them to find out how their defence and attack are as well as their ball reception and overall play.

Malkia strikers are taking part in their fourth Olympic games having featured in the 2000 Sydney Games, the 2004 Athens Games and the 202o Tokyo Games.

However, it has not been an easy task for them as they have never secured a single set despite dominating Volleyball in Africa.

Munala will be handling the team in his first Olympic games having missed out in the 2020 games and he is looking forward to leaving a mark at the games.

"This is my first time so far in my coaching career to be in the Olympics. I am looking forward to leaving a mark in the games. We are encouraging these girls, they also have to show that they are in the Olympics, they have to give their best in every game even if we are losing," he said.

Kenya will be facing Japan who are ranked third in the world, Brazil who are ranked fourth in the world and Poland who are ranked third in the world.

Munala says it will not be a walk in the Park for his girls.

"Those are top four teams in the world so it won't be easy for the ladies, however, we are going to give our best, and everybody will give their one hundred per cent," he added

Libero Agripina Kundu will be making her second appearance in the team and she says she is excited by the prospect of representing Kenya again.

However, she was quick to warn new girls in the team to be ready for a tough challenge that awaited them in the games.

But she says they can use the game to learn more and gain lots of experience.

She says, unlike Africa, the players in the Olympics are more professional with lots of experience but she is determined to rise to the occasion once again like the 2020 games.