Trizah Atuka in action at a past match/HANDOUT
Former national volleyball team captain Trizah Atuka believes the young provisional squad that was recently unveiled has all the qualities to compete at the top level.
“Kenya is full of talent,” She said, referring to the players, who were recently called to the Malkia Strikers camp.
The former national captain has, however, warned the young squad that there will be challenges, and this will mark the defining moment for them.
Atuka said representing the country is a huge responsibility, and they have to be ready for it.
“They need to work hard and put in more effort. I am happy that they will get all the exposure they need," she quipped. She said the national team's technical bench had their preferences, and will need to be supported.
“There were changes in the management of the national team, and the technical bench made their decision based on their requirements, and we respect that,” Atuka clarified.
She, however, said, “We play because of passion and not because we are part of the national team. We have always tried to do our best both at the club and the national level,” She added.
She said there is no problem in having young players in the squad as long as they maintain Kenya's glory at the international level.
“It’s encouraging for them, but they have to ensure the country's flag flies high and pick up from where we left.”
Atuka made her mark in the national team in the 2015 FIVB Women’s World Cup that was hosted in Tokyo, Japan.
She has also missed national action due to injuries, but has been a regular name at the Malkia Strikers camp as the team’s middle blocker.
Atuka was the captain of Malkia Strikers and also the Kenyan flagbearer at the Paris Olympics in 2024, a role she defined as a dream come true.
She was named the most valuable player of the Kenya Volleyball Federation in 2016. Atuka, however, wishes her colleagues a good campaign, citing the potential in the squad.
She has high faith in the national team.
“I want to wish them well, and we hope to see them grow and bring good results.”
