by Ben Ayuko
contact info: benayuko@gmail.com
{image by GettyImages}
The Kenya Women’s Volleyball Team kicked off their Olympics campaign against Brazil on the 30th of July 2024
The 2023 African Volleyball Champions were looking to carry the same form that earned them a Gold Medal in the African Championships, just a year prior, into Paris.
Led by Captain, Triza Atuka, they took to the court to face what would prove to be a tough test against a well-trained outfit in Brazil.
Our Malkia Strikers put their best foot forward, but they were not prepared for this Brazil team as they claimed point after point. The completely overwhelmed the Kenyans who had no response for the aggressive nature with which they took to the court. Every serve was returned, every rally was turned over, every spike was blocked…everything the Kenyans tried to orchestrate was immediately shut down and returned with vigour from the other side of the net. And they only seemed to get stronger the longer the game went on.
It was quite the statement of intent from the Canarinhas as they finished the game after winning all 3 sets without reply (25-14, 25-13, 25-12). A rude awakening for Team Kenya in case any of the players were doubting the reverence that is bestowed upon games with the Olympic tag.
Despite the disappointing result, Captain Atuka found some positives that her and her team could take from the experience. “We had our good moments and (I am) happy that we have improved on our reception, which is usually an issue…” she said, “…having played Brail today is an eye-opener…now we know what to plan on to approach the next match.”
With 2 more group games to play against Japan and Poland in the coming days, they will have some time to regroup and refocus their efforts to try and salvage their Olympic charge.