Grief-stricken Moim leaves African Games
National women’s team, Malkia Strikers’ captain Mercy Moim has been forced to return home from the African Games here in Accra, Ghana, after losing both her husband and mother-in-law on Sunday night.
Moim received the sad news of the double tragedy while representing Kenya at the continental Games in Accra and had so far led the team to victory in the opening two matches against Seychelles and Nigeria with a similar score of 3-0 sets.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Vice-President, Paul Bitok, confirmed that Moim was on her way back home and was in the company of assistant Chaperone Caroline Oriedo and they are expected in Nairobi today.
He said Moim is a long serving captain and it’s a big blow to Malkia Strikers who will be forced to operate without a skipper.
“ The players have for many years relied on her for guidance and I do not know how they will operate. However, I think they should win the event for her,” he said.
Meanwhile, Team Kenya management condoled the family of Moim following the tragedy.
“Volleyball family kindly accept our sincere condolences to your captain Mercy Moim for the double loss of her dear husband and mother in law. The entire Planning Committee is saddened with this very sad news and we pray for God’s mercies and comfort for Mercy during this trying moment,” read a statement from the committee.
“The entire volleyball team kindly take heart, have peace and be strong as you represent our country during your remaining matches. We wish you all the best and may the good Lord rest the souls of the departed in eternal peace,” said James Akama, who is the excutive director of the team.
Elsewhere, National handball team ambitions of reaching semi-finals received a major blow after falling to DR Congo 46-31 in their third match of the Africa Games at Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana.
DR Congo were in a class of their own from the whistle as Kenyans struggled to catch up. Coach Peter Mwathi admitted the match was difficult contrary to their expectations. “ Our opponents were in a class of their own and I am happy we gave our best,” he said.
He said they are now focusing on the fifth/sixth play-off match against Mali and he is hopeful of finishing in the top five.
He said considering it was Congo’s last match in the preliminary round, he was not surprised with their calibre of play.
“As I said earlier, most of the DR Congo players play in France and they are more experienced than Kenyans. My team only has two experienced players while the rest are making their debut,” he noted.
He noted: “ Only Rashid Ngwela and goalkeeper Victor Otuoma have played at this level. The rest are rookies and this is their first international tournament,” he noted. He, however, said with the experience gained he expects the boys to perform well shortly.
