Malkia Strikers prepare to come back home

Malkia Strikers arrived at the Yaoundé International Airport on Friday morning ahead of their 2.45pm (EAT) flight back to Kenya.

The team looked in high spirits following Thursday's exploits that saw them seal their return to the Olympics after a 3-0 (25-15,25-21,24-12) win over Nigeria at Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena.

The nine-time African champions amassed 11 points for four matches, one ahead of hosts Cameroon.

Egypt came third with six points, Nigeria was fourth with three points while Botswana was last without a point.

They are expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 6.45pm

World volleyball governing body (FIVB) President Ary Graca led the congratulatory messages to Kenya for qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics slated for July 24 to August 9.

Acting National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Secretary General Francis Mutuku said the girls had done Kenya proud and promised to support them in the preparations for the Summer Games.

“It’s been a journey and as NOC-K we are really proud of this team. We have walked with them since they started training at Kasarani and everything we’ve done for them is worth it.

“We now want to ensure they get good preparations because the standard of volleyball we have seen from them can earn us a medal just like they did in the African Games,” said Mutuku. Cameroon coach Jean Rene Akono applauded Kenya for qualifying ahead of the hosts.