The arrival of the Kenya national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, on Friday evening was marked by songs and a series of ululations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport terminal 1A.
National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), government officials, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), family and friends of the stars came out in large numbers to receive the team.
Malkia Strikers will be the only African team to take part in the Olympic games in Toyko this year after posting impressive results at the qualifiers.
Coach Paul Bitok who has requested the government to sponsor their training in Europe, South America and Asia is hopeful that the government will heed to the request.
"I have talked to a few friends abroad and they are willing to host Malkia Strikers in Europe for international friendly matches. I hope the government will okay us,” Bitok said.
Captain Mercy Moim of Malkia Strikers urged NOC-K and KVF to okay the team to have a good training regime three months locally and two months abroad.
She also commended the efforts of local coaches that has seen the team become successful. She urged the government to look for local coaches before opting for foreigners.
“We are so excited about our qualification and I will still urge Kenya to trust our local coaches and give them the chance to deliver. Let us exhaust all our available resources before looking elsewhere,“ Moim said.
She further revealed their hopes of posting the best results at the Olympic games.