Malkia Strikers' hunt for a 10th continental title took off on a high note following a resounding 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Africa Nations Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon.
The Kenyan queens registered sets of 25-16, 25-20, and 25-17.
The stellar performance set a strong foundation in their pursuit of the 10th continental title, affectionately dubbed "La Decima".
The continental showpiece will be crucial for Kenya as it also acts in accruing points necessary to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Team captain Mercy Moim said he was delighted by the good start which she said attested to their desire to tuck away the title.
Moim said early and thorough preparations were key in giving them a resounding opening victory, which serves as inspiration in their quest for a ticket to Paris.
"We prepared well for this tournament given we first made a training trip to Morocco before traveling to France. We had two build-up matches in Morocco another two against Mexico and Vietnam in France," Moim said.
"The international friendlies exposed our weak spots which we worked extremely hard to rectify before the African Championships. So we are confident of performing well here."
The KCB skipper expressed optimism they would be on a plane to France next year.
"The team is in perfect shape so far and the morale in the camp is amazing. Everyone is sound and healthy. All the players are focused since they are aware this is one of the glorious opportunities we have to punch a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics," said Moim.
She lavished praise on the new players for rising to the occasion.
"All the new players have gelled well with the rest of the playing unit and we want to get the job finished here in Cameroon," she observed.
Apart from Rwanda, Malkia will also face Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Lesotho in Pool B.
Pool 'A' has Cameroon, Burundi, Nigeria, Mali, Algeria and Egypt.
