Malkia Strikers eye Olympic qualification in crucial 2026 season

Malkia Strikers head coach Geoffrey Omondi has expressed strong confidence in Kenya’s preparations ahead of a packed and pivotal 2026 volleyball calendar, insisting that thorough groundwork will be key as the national women’s team targets continental success and Olympic qualification.

Speaking after the team received an Olympic grant from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), Omondi emphasized that preparation remains the cornerstone of success at the highest level.

 “In every competition, what is important is the preparation. Each team that has proper preparation will always have an easier time,” Omondi said. “With this kind of support, we will have a more elaborate programme, running immediately towards the Olympics.”

Kenya is set to host the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Nairobi from August 23 to September 5, a tournament that doubles as a qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.

It will mark the first time the continental championship returns to Kenya since 2015, when the Malkia Strikers lifted the title on home soil.

Omondi admitted that hosting brings both opportunity and pressure.

“Hosting helps, but again it has a lot of pressure. We need to deal with the players first from the point of handling home pressure, then take advantage of the support from our fans,” he noted.

The coach also addressed Kenya’s recent loss of hosting rights for the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, terming it a setback but one that will not derail national team plans.

“The Zone V being taken away from us was not a good thing, but those are issues that the Kenya Volleyball Federation can deal with,” he said, adding that the setback will not derail national team plans.

Reflecting on Kenya’s performance at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand, where the team finished 20th globally and recorded a historic 3-0 win over Vietnam, Omondi believes the gap to elite nations is bridgeable.

“I saw a lot of possibilities. We only limit ourselves mentally. With speed and accuracy in training, we are capable. The difference is mainly ball control and skills accuracy,” he explained.

Omondi revealed that the technical bench is targeting high-level international friendlies against stronger opposition, with potential matches against Serbia and Cuba being explored, subject to budget.

“We don’t want friendly matches with teams we can beat. That doesn’t help us. We want teams that are better than us to push us higher,” he said. “Potential friendlies against sides from Serbia and Cuba are being explored, budget permitting.”

With Kenya already holding a points advantage over key African rivals in the Olympic qualification race, Omondi remains optimistic.

“It won’t be easy, but it’s possible. Everything is done in training. If we prepare well, we can compete with the advanced teams.”

As Nairobi prepares to host Africa’s best, the Malkia Strikers are banking on preparation, pressure management, and quality opposition to turn a demanding season into a historic Olympic breakthrough.