Ruto praises Malkia Strikers’ ‘never-say-die spirit’ after clinching record-extending Africa t*tle
President William Ruto has lauded the Kenya women's volleyball team after lifting the CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship title to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Malkia Strikers were dominant as they saw off Egypt by three straight sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-14), and the victory was a great achievement in various aspects.
This is Malkia Strikers' 10th continental title, and it is their first since 2015. They have fallen short in three editions, where they were defeated by Cameroon in 2017, 2019, and 2021 at the finals.
Malkia Strikers lauded
After the historic win in Yaounde, Cameroon, President Ruto lauded the national queens.
"After eight years, your grit, hard work, resolve, and never-say-die spirit have brought the title back to Kenya. We celebrate you, and we are proud of you," Ruto said in a statement.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who has been under immense pressure from various quarters, also lauded Malkia Strikers.
"Hongera Malkia Strikers, our superb national women's volleyball team, for emphatically winning the African Nations Championship in Cameroon with a 3-0 victory over Egypt 25-22, 25-20, 25-14, thus qualifying for the Paris Olympics next summer. You have made Kenyans proud," Namwamba said.
Namwamba's Cabinet colleagues Kipchumba Murkomen, in charge of the transport docket, and Aden Duale, in charge of the defense ministry, were not left behind.
"Queens of Africa: Congratulations, Malkia Strikers, on your emphatic win against Egypt, your crowning as the African Champions, and your deserved qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics. You've made Kenya proud," Murkomen said.
"Congratulations to our national volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers! By finishing first in a spectacular 3-0 win against Egypt and claiming your tenth continental title.
"You have made the country proud at the just concluded finals of the 2023 CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon. Best of luck as you prepare and practice to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics," Duale said. 
Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung'wah, praised the national side and said their journey has been exceptional.
"Congratulations to the Malkia Strikers for their outstanding victory in the Africa Nations Championships against Egypt. This achievement brings pride to the nation and highlights their status as true champions of Africa.
"Malkia Strikers' exceptional journey to the Women's Africa Volleyball Championship final is a moment of immense national pride. Their victory secures a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing their dedication and unity," Ichung'wah said.
Former Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi said the Malkia Strikers were exceptional.
"An excellent performance by Kenya's Malkia Strikers against Egypt - a victory that effectively thrusts them onto the global stage for the Paris Olympic Games.
"We congratulate the Queens of African Volleyball for securing the AFCON title," Moi said.
Malkia Strikers' journey in Cameroon
They had to beat Rwanda in their opening game by winning three sets before they faced Burkina Faso and, equally, reigned supreme.
Against Uganda, they registered three straight sets and followed that with a 3-1 win over Morocco. They sailed through to the quarterfinals after a win over Lesotho and saw off Nigeria 3-0 to book a place in the semi-final.
Cameroon, Malkia Strikers' arch-rivals, could not stop Kenya's march to the final as the East Africans emerged 3-1 winners.
