Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi has warned his players against complacency as they enter the knockout stage of the CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after completing a perfect Pool A campaign.
Kenya secured top spot in the three-team pool with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-18) victory over Mali at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday to finish the group phase without dropping a set.
“We have to remain focused and take every match as it comes. The knockout stage is different and we cannot afford to relax,” said Omondi.
The defending champions had earlier swept aside Zambia 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-11), collecting six points from two victories as they made a strong start to their campaign on home soil.
Omondi was pleased with Kenya’s performance in the group stage but said the real test would come in the knockout rounds, where the team’s bid for a second successive continental title will face stronger opposition.
“It is a good start for us in our quest to qualify for the Olympics. The girls did well, and hopefully we continue that way,” he said.
The Nairobi championship carries added significance, with the tournament serving as Africa’s pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
According to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the continental champions will earn Africa’s direct women’s volleyball quota for the LA28 Games, while the top three finishers will qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.
Kenya are among the leading contenders in the 15-team championship being staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The hosts and defending champions have been identified alongside Egypt and Cameroon among the leading sides in the competition.
Omondi used the group stage to build depth, giving all his players an opportunity rather than relying on a fixed starting line-up.
“I do not have a main team. Everyone can play; it just depends on the game and the opponent. We want to give everyone a chance to play and to build a winning mentality in the whole team,” he said.
Opposite Terry Tata, who was introduced towards the end of the second set against Mali, said making her Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games remains one of her major ambitions.
“Personally, it is my dream to play at the Olympics, and I would urge my teammates that we continue with the teamwork to ensure we head back there,” said Tata.
Tata received a rousing reception from the home crowd when she entered the court, an experience she said provided an added motivation.
“That was a big motivation. I did not expect it, but nevertheless I liked it. I now have to repay that faith with performance,” she said.
Zambia finished second in Pool A on three points after beating Mali 3-1 (25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-21), while Mali ended the group stage without a point.
Elsewhere, Egypt, Cameroon and Rwanda also topped their respective pools unbeaten, each finishing the group stage with nine points without dropping a set.
Nigeria finished fourth in Pool C with two points from three matches. The Elam Armu-coached side pushed Ghana to a five-set thriller before losing 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, 25-11, 11-25, 18-16), before ending their campaign with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-16) defeat by Cameroon.
