Malkia Strikers’ captain Trizah Atuka is optimistic about the team’s prospects as they gear up for their final pool match against Japan, scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 pm Kenyan time. Despite the team’s challenging journey so far, Atuka believes the African champions can end their pool matches on a high note. “I pray for a good finish in our last match and better results,” she expressed.
The Malkia Strikers have faced a tough series of matches in Pool B, which includes formidable opponents such as Brazil, Poland, and Japan. The team has yet to secure a win, having endured a 3-0 defeat to Brazil (25-14, 25-13, 25-12) on Monday and another 3-0 loss to Poland (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Atuka remains positive about the experience gained during these matches. “Paris has been good to us and we are enjoying living our dreams. We’ve been in a tough pool, but we’ve given our best. The results aren’t what we wished for, but we leave with lessons learned,” she noted.
At 32 years old, Atuka is making her maiden Olympic appearance, having missed the 2020 Tokyo Games due to a career-threatening injury. Her journey to the Paris Olympics has been one of perseverance and determination. Atuka was handed the captain’s armband during Malkia Strikers’ exploits at the Challenger Cup in the Philippines last month, and she has embraced her leadership role with pride. “My debut at the Olympics feels great, especially with the leadership role. It’s more than I could have asked for,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Atuka expressed immense satisfaction and gratitude. “It is satisfying to know that I have worked so hard after missing out on the Tokyo Olympics due to a career-threatening injury, which left me uncertain about my future in volleyball,” she revealed. “I didn’t want my career to end that way, so I kept pushing. I worked hard, didn’t give up, and now I’m here. It feels amazing,” she added.
Atuka attributes her successful comeback to the unwavering support she received both on and off the pitch. “It wasn’t an easy journey for me but I’m grateful that God saw me through. I was also lucky to have had a great support system on and off the court that kept pushing me and made me realise that I could do it,” she said. The captain highlighted the importance of this support during challenging times. “When I felt like giving up, during the tough times, I would think of those people who had believed in me and supported me and just didn’t want to let them down,” she added.
As the Malkia Strikers prepare for their final pool match against Japan, Atuka’s optimism and resilience serve as an inspiration to her teammates and fans alike. The match against Japan presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their growth and determination, regardless of the outcome. Atuka’s journey from injury to Olympic debut underscores the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system.
In the face of adversity, Atuka’s leadership and positivity shine through, embodying the spirit of the Malkia Strikers. Her story is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to compete at the highest levels of sport. As the team takes to the court for their final pool match, they carry with them the lessons learned and the dreams they continue to chase.
