Kenya women’s volleyball team star Veronica Oluoch says a win against Vietnam on Wednesday in their last Pool “G” match of the FIVB World Championship will strengthen their position as the top-ranked African side.
Oluoch, who leads Kenya in scoring after bagging 19 points against Germany and 18 against Poland in Phuket, Thailand, promised fireworks in the clash set for 1 pm EAT.
“We have three teams from Africa at this stage: Cameroon, Egypt, and Kenya. Kenya is at the top of Africa, and we want to guard that position. Vietnam will not have it easy. We will be going for a win,” said Oluoch.
She previously featured for GS Panionios in Greece.
Kenya lost their opening two ties, falling to Germany 0-3 (22-25, 8-25, 20-25) on Saturday and going down 1-3 (17-25, 25-15, 15-25, 14-25) to Poland on Monday.
The results saw them and Vietnam eliminated from the championship as Poland and Germany progressed.
Germany and Poland meet later today to decide who tops the pool.
Despite the setback, Oluoch insisted Kenya’s improvement is evident.
“If our performances against Germany and Poland are anything to go by, then if we extend the same spirit against Vietnam, we will definitely win,” the former Kenya Pipeline star said.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi admitted the team is still a work in progress as he made his World Championship debut.
“Besides enjoying good food and sleeping in top hotels, this is not what I wanted. I thought I would be the coach to break the jinx by at least winning a match, but let’s see how today turns out,” he said.
“We have achieved 30 per cent, but we would have liked 75 per cent. Someday, Kenya will dominate at the world stage,” said Omondi.
Omondi said the strategy is clear despite captain Meldina Sande, opposite hitter Terry Tata and setter Emmaculate Nekesa nursing injuries, though they could still be available subject to late tests.
“Vietnam play quick ball, and they have great teamwork. We need to break that with hard services to destabilise them,” he noted.
Vietnam coach Kiet Tuan Nguyuen remained upbeat after their friendly win over Kenya last week.
“We are all winless, and at the end of the match, one team will be the winner, and we want to be that team,” Nguyuen said.
by CHARLENE MALWA
