Lead image for Malkia Strikers to ditch camp over unpaid allowances as Africa Championship nears.
With just three days to go until the start of the Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, all is not well in the Malkia Strikers camp.
The players went on go-slow on Wednesday and have given the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) two days to address their grievances, which include delayed payment of their allowances. Otherwise, they will leave the training camp altogether.
Despite having been in training for over three weeks, the team has not yet received their allowances or training kit, which is making their stay in camp increasingly difficult as the African championships draw closer.
Meanwhile, the players claim that they have not played any meaningful friendly matches, whereas some of their rivals have held training camps and played friendly matches in other countries, including in Europe.
The camp, which started on July 26, initially had 28 players before head coach Geoffrey Omondi reduced it to 20 players on August 7, and then to the final squad of 14 players last Saturday.
The championship has drawn 16 teams and will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada and the US, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Malkia Strikers, the defending champions and most successful team in the continental contest, are seeking their 11th title.
They are also aiming for their fifth Olympic Games appearance and their seventh FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup show.