Malkia Strikers head coach Geoffrey Omondi has set his target for the women's national volleyball team as he embarks on his tenure.
Omondi stated in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that he plans to lead Malkia to a minimum of two victories in the upcoming FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Thailand.
He reckons his prior experience with the men's national team in 2015 equips him with a unique perspective on the intricacies of international competition.
His understanding of the psychological and technical demands of the game will be invaluable as he seeks to instil a winning mentality in the Malkia Strikers.
The former Wafalme Stars international has also worked as an assistant coach of the national under-18 boys’ team.
"It's a good thing to head the national team, but there is a lot of work to be done. I've coached the men's national team before in 2015, and I would like to use the experience I picked up then to develop Malkia Strikers and take the team to the next level," Omondi said.
The Malkia Strikers are no strangers to success. With ten African championships under their belt, they have established themselves as a formidable force in women's volleyball on the continent.
However, the global stage presents a different challenge altogether. Omondi, a seasoned coach with experience in both men's and youth volleyball, recognises the steep uphill battle ahead. He candidly acknowledged the gap between aspiration and achievement.
"The short-term goal is to win at least two matches when we go to the World Championship. I know winning the trophy is a tall order, but I believe we can meet our target of winning two matches," he said.
Omondi's immediate goal is to secure at least two victories in the World Championship scheduled for August 2025.
This target, while modest in the grand scheme of international volleyball, is a pragmatic step towards rebuilding the team's confidence and competitive edge.
The coach said his focus on attainable objectives reflects a strategic approach to development, one that prioritises incremental progress over unrealistic expectations.
Omondi's tenure will focus on preparing Malkia Strikers for the upcoming FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Thailand, scheduled for August 22 to September 7, 2025.
"My contract also ends after the competition, and so my focus is on guiding the team to a good performance in the tournament," Omondi said.
A pivotal aspect of Omondi's vision is the establishment of volleyball academies. He believes that nurturing talent from a young age is essential for the long-term success of the sport. He emphasised the need for foundational changes, particularly in grassroots development.
His experience as an assistant coach for the national under-18 boys' team equips him with insights into the developmental needs of athletes at various stages.
"We are not there yet, and we are going to struggle for a long time because we don't have academies. We need to start training children early enough because skills are easily grasped at a tender age," he said.
By advocating for the creation of academies, Omondi aims to empower age-group competitions, which serve as a breeding ground for future stars.
This grassroots approach not only enhances skill development but also fosters a culture of volleyball within communities, encouraging participation and interest in the sport.
"Academies empower age-group competitions. That's what gives the players the necessary exposure they need to grow to the required standards," he said.
