MALKIA STRIKERS JOY: NATIONAL WOMEN€™S TEAM REJOICE AS NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION RENEW SPONSORSHIP

As they prepare for the start of what will be a do-or-die four months in a bid to remain in the SportPesa Premier League beginning with this afternoon’s encounter against out of sorts Posta Rangers, basement club Wazito know there is little room for error in their quest for survival.Wazito coach Frank Ouna believes losing many players during the mid-season transfer window and financial challenges have dented their performance but remains optimistic the tide will change.“We have had our fair share of financial difficulties. Consequently, we lost 18 players in the entire in mid-season, which is a record by any standards. This means we have had to rebuild. The challenge in this rebuilding phase is games were coming thick and fast. We have not had the benefit of a mid-season break because the federation and KPL are changing calendars,” he said. The former Gor and Sofapaka assistant coach has termed the match against Posta Rangers a must win but admits it won’t be an easy one.“I think any opponent facing Wazito will have an easy game while the opposite is true. All our games are like finals for us. No easy games and that is the mentality we will approach the match against Posta with,” he concluded. Ouna’s remarks are certainly of a man who is facing up to the reality of how difficult it is to remain among the elite particularly for a club that is short of financial resources to attract and keep quality players.Another struggling outfit Thika United will be hoping for home comfort when they host a resurgent Nakumatt this afternoon. Thika have not won any of their last five games and with a four-point gap between them and a safety spot, matches like this are the ones they will need to pick victories for their own survival.At the other end of the table, the title race might be a foregone conclusion but teams at the top half of the table are jostling to be the best among the rest. Two of them Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks go head to head in Mombasa, looking to narrow the gap between them and second placed Sofapaka who will be away at Tusker tomorrow.Third placed Ulinzi Stars will also be in action tomorrow when they entertain Nzoia United.Third from bottom Vihiga United face a tricky home tie against AFC Leopards while another relegation threatened side Zoo Kericho will be confident of picking three pivotal points at home to kakamega Homeboyz.Today 3pmBandari vs Sharks (Mombasa)Thika United vs Nakumatt (Thika)Tomorrow 3pmMathare vs Sony Sugar (Kasarani)Tusker vs Sofapaka (Ruaraka)Ulinzi Stars vs Nzoia Sugar (Afraha)Vihiga United vs Leopards (Mumias)Zoo vs Homeboyz (Kericho)Despite being the leading scorer at AFC Leopards camp this season, on-form Whyvonne Isuza insists he is not under pressure to contest for the Golden Boot.Isuza, an attacking midfielder, has found the back of the net ten times and trails the league’s joint top scorer duo of Jacques Tuyisenge and Nicholas Kipkirui who ply their trades with Gor Mahia and Zoo Kericho respectively by a goal.The race to scoop the best scorers accolade was thrown wide open following the exit of Nzoia Sugar’s danger man Elvis Rupia who sealed a move to Zambian-based Power Dynamos a week ago, leaving the quartet of Isuza,Tuyisenge, Kipkirui and Mathare United’s Clifford Alwanga as potential candidates to lay hands on the crown. Until his departure to Zambia, Rupia had bagged 15 goals and Isuza has downplayed hopes of muscling for the ‘Golden Boot’.A spectacular bicycle kick goal in the Mashemeji Derby and a series of superb displays in the midfield saw pundits enroll his name for the season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). But despite the praises coming from all quarters, Isuza believes in teamwork rather than individual brilliance.“Whether I score or not what matters to me is what the team gets at the end of the game. I can score goals and we lose the three points or fail to qualify to the next round (in a tournaments). Rupia has left for Zambia and there are many players who have the capacity to win the boot and I can’t say I am a favourite or I am going for it. My target is to assist the team to get wins.”Being the best scoring midfielder in the season thus far, Isuza attributed the sucess to hard work and denied reports linking him to big spending clubs outside the country who have found a new market in Kenya.“Two seasons ago I finished with six goals while at Mathare and I feel it comes courtesy of hard work. There is nothing extraordinary or a secret I can say I am doing. It’s all about hard work and being a team player. I haven’t received offers from a club here at home or abroad. I want to give the best to Leopards and honour the terms stipulated in my contract.”After a shameful exit in the Cecafa Kagame Cup, Kenyan champions Gor Mahia return to Tanzania to face Yanga in the Caf Confederations Cup Pool ‘D’ return match tomorrow at National Stadium Dar-es-salaam.Gor taught the 27-time Tanzanian champions football lessons a week ago at Kasarani Stadium, raking in four unanswered goals which placed them second in the pool behind Algerian-based USM Alger with five points and will be out to enrich their chances of qualifying to the next round.Gor have successfully overcame fatigue, resulting from fixture congestion and barely three days after silencing an experienced Posta Rangers 3-1 to sail to the SportPesa Shield Cup quarter finals, Dylan Kerr’s boys will have their lethargy severely tested by Yanga who have reportedly shipped in two quality players from DRC Congo.Under the stewardship of Noel Mwandila, Yanga paid bitterly for off the field wrangles in the first leg encounter, where several senior players declined to board the plane to Nairobi in protest for better offers and new contracts. A solution has since been found and new players registered for the clash. Mwandila will approach the match aware that a draw or succumbing to Gor will see them exit the continental tournament. Yanga sit at the bottom of the pool with a point while Rwandese giants Rayon Sports, who are third carry their two points, to Algeria to face USM Alger.Kerr clearly showed the significance of the Yanga tie by fielding his second string squad against Rangers in a midweek duel, where he openly admitted to have handed the senior players a two-day off to refresh for the tie.Ahead of the match, Kerr disclosed that he had a selection puzzle after talisman Jacques Tuyisenge shrugged off an injury suffered in the ‘Mashemeji Derby’ and Kelvin Omondi’s form, which saw him bag a brace against Rangers.The two are set to fight for the starting roles alongside Francis Mustafa and Ephrem Guikan. He is also facing a selection dilemma in the defence as Wellington Ochieng and Joash Onyango returned from injury and suspension respectively.Despite having the luxury to select the best from the available players, Kerr will miss right back Karim Nizigiyimana, who resumed training last week after 11 months on the sidelines.“Tuyisenge is fully fit and Omondi has recently shown why I should field him. I have Mustafa and Guikan and I think it’s a big challenge for me to decide who to start. Karim is back although I don’t want to rush him to play.He suffered a career threatening injury and he will play in two weeks time. I gave the senior players two days to rest and I expect them to be fit for the match.”A win for Gor and pool leaders USM Alger who will host Rwandese will see the two proceed to the next roundWith favourites for the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League title, Kenya Police and Butali Warriors, enjoying a rest this weekend, focus turns on the survival battle between the bottom two sides Western Jaguars and Badgers, who are seeking their second wins of the season as well as keeping their top flight status.After recording their maiden victory of the season a week ago, revitalised Jaguars who sit second from bottom with six points will scratch for maximum points in their weekend matches against 2012 champions Nairobi Sikh Union today and bottom placed Badgers tomorrow.However, Badgers head coach Cyrus Kanyi has disclosed that they have put behind their false start woes and are ready for the rest of the season. The former Kenyan International will return to the touch line after missing the previous clash against Kenya Police due to illness. As Badgers welcome their head coach, their opponents will have to do without theirs, Michael Malungu who is away with the national youth in Algeria.Today another relegation threatened side Nakuru Hockey Club host Parklands SC eyeing to delink themselves with the red line. The Anthony Agesa-coached side sit tenth on the log with eight points from nine matches. They hope to capitalize on the advantage against the visitors who are placed seventh with 12 points.USIU ‘A’ Mashujaa will wrap the weekend roster against KCA University tomorrow. Mashujaa, under the tutelage of Tom Olal, are perched sixth with 13 points—one ahead of their opponents—who are ranked eighth.Bitter rivals Kwanthanze and Soweto Academy will face off in girls’ volleyball final today after eliminating their rivals in their respective semi-finals of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two Games at Hill School, Eldoret yesterday.In the semifinals, Kwanthanze were too smart for Bishop Sulumeti, beating them 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25- 15) while Soweto defeated Cheptil with a similar set margin of 26-24, 25-14, 25-19.Kwanthanze, who are the defending champions, will be seeking to serve Soweto a hot revenge when it matters most. Soweto were responsible for Kwanthanze’s absence at the 2016 national games after eliminating them at the now defunct Metropolitan Region final the same year. Setter Immaculate Nekesa, who also doubles up as Kwanthanze captain, said lack of confidence was their main undoing during the 2016 edition but they are a totally different proposition this timne round.“Time is ripe for this particular encounter and I am positive we will take home the big trophy. We are confident and focused going into this match and we pray for a win,” intimated Nekesa.Soweto’s Hilda Chepkosgei, whose father and grandfather played for the Kenya team, noted: “Cheptil was not an easy opponent and we have to carry the resilience we had today in the semis into the finals to increase our chances of winning. They beat us in last year’s preliminaries (3-1) and I feel it is our time to triumph because we are prepared for them in all aspects.”However, all is not lost for Bishop Sulumeti and Cheptil as they will be vying for the bronze medal today as they seek a ticket to the East Africa Games. In the boys’ competitions, debutants Kapkenyeloi eliminated fellow newbies Mogonga in a tight semi final tie, winning 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 27-25, 25-22) in a match that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.To advance to the finals, Malava edged Coastal side Shimoni 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-14). Malava, coached by Shadrack Tovoko, are upbeat to reclaim the lost glory, while Kapkenyeloi are looking to grab their maiden title at the nationals.Kakamega High Green Commandos face debutants Olbolsat in the football Under-19 final of KSSSA Term Two Games at the Hill School, Eldoret.Kakamega beat Dagoretti High 4-3 in post-match penalties following a goal-less draw in both regulation and extra time.In the second semis, Olbolsat ended former champions St. Anthony’s Kitale journey with a 2-0 victory. St. Anthony’s play Dagoretti in the third place match.In the girls’ Under-19 semi finals, Kwale Girls eliminated Kobala 3-2 as Arch Bishop Njenga edged Nginda 2-0 to proceed to the final. Nginda and Kobala face off in the bronze tie.Meanwhile, St. Peter’s Mumias struggled to beat Upper Hill 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Copa Coca Cola Under-16 tournament to book a date with St. Anthony’s Kitale in today’s final. Issa Okumu scored a brace for St Peter’s in the 44th and 67th minutes as Ethan Vumi netted a consolation for Upper Hill in the 48th minute.In the other semi, St. Anthony’s, coached by Peter Mayoyo, hammered harmless Riyabu 5-0 to advance. Ansor Shamun and Juma Lugogo bagged a double each as Kennedy Mwendo wrapped up the scores.In the girls’ category, 2016 holders Wiyeta booked a place in the final to reclaim the title when they beat Waa Girls 3-1. Jecinta Karamana scored a brace and while Sarah Nanjala added the third goal. Mwambiti Tayira pulled one back for the coastal side. With the win, Wiyeta come face-to-face with Moi Girls Nangili, who thwarted Olympic Mixed 2-0 to advance. Noel Oruko netted twice for the winners. Olympic face Waa Girls in the third place playoff as Upper Hill entertain Riyabu in the boys’ bronze match.The government will be required to spend Sh1.5 billion on the 2020 IAAF World Under-20 Championship after winning the bid to host the prestigious event.Sports Cabinet secretary, Rashid Echesa, made the announcement after the world governing body, IAAF, awarded Kenya the hosting rights in Buenos Aires on Thursday.Kenya hosted the World Under-17 Championships last year which turned out to be a roaring success with the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, sold out.Echesa said a committee for the event will be set up next month to oversee the preparations for the junior show. He said the government is delighted to have been granted the rights to host the event and assured of a world class event. “It will be remembered that Nairobi hosted a very successful World Under-18 Championships and it is in this light that Kenya’s bid to host a world event was honoured once again,” noted Echesa. He added: “We have the facilities and will continue to prepare to ensure we have the venue and other facilities ready for the World Under 20 event as well as prepare a team for the championships.”Echesa said the event will be hosted at Kasarani and assured IAAF that everything to do with the sports infrastructures in the country is on course.“I take this opportunity to assure IAAF that Kenya has been working on its sports infrastructure across the country. Kasarani in particular has been under renovation for several months and will therefore be ready to host this global event,” he added.Kenya recently topped the World Under-20 Championship in Tampere, Finland, where the nation bagged six gold, four silver and a bronze medal. Echesa said he is confident the athletics talent in the country can dominate the event on home soil.Tuyisenge got a unanimous majority vote to beat team-mate Francis Kahata in the poll conducted by Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) football committee.Tuyisenge has scored five goals in the month that K’Ogalo won all their five matches on a trot. The Rwanda international was awarded Sh100 000, a trophy and a 49-inch LG TV courtesy of sponsors at Camp Toyoyo on Thursday.Following another outstanding month that saw them pull clear of their closest challengers Sofapaka, the team got an extra Sh50,000 for their contribution to the player’s August exploits. En-route to winning the award, the 27-year-old scored a brace against Nzoia Sugar and a goal each against Wazito, Ulinzi Stars, Posta Rangers and Sony.“I’m so happy to have been recognised with this award. I have for a long time hoped to win it and it is great to finally get it. I dedicate it to my teammates who helped me achieve it. I can’t score without their input and they have really been great. Actually, Gor Mahia functions because we are a unit. We play as a team and that is why we are this strong,” the Rwandan forward said.Tuyisenge also hopes to track the absent Elvis Rupia’s goal count and clinch the ‘Golden Boot’ this year. He was a runner up for the gong last year and is the leading contender after Rupia’s departure to Zambia. “I can win the ‘Golden Boot this year. As a striker whenever I leave a football pitch without scoring, it hurts me so I want keep scoring and exceed the current leader who is not playing here anymore,” he added. Tuyisenge, who had a slow start to the season, was shouldered with the responsibility of taking over the scoring mantle from Meddie Kagere, who is now at Simba and did not disappoint. His five goals have clearly showed that he has what it takes to help the 16-time Kenya champions retain the Sportpesa Premier League crown. Gor Mahia are now 12 points clear on the log and are still active in the Caf Confederation Cup and the SportPesa FKF Shield tourney.AFC Leopards’ coach Rodolfo Zapata has unreservedly admitted that the 2018 SportPesa Premier League is out of reach following last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to bitter rivals Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium Kasarani.Zapata conceded that the league is for Gor Mahia to lose having gone 20 matches without tasting defeat and a massive 12 point gap between them and closest challengers Sofapaka.Since assuming to the rank of head coach in April, the Argentine who replaced Tanzanian Dennis Kitambi, has overseen ten league matches—winning four, drawing a similar number with two ending sourly. The tactician believes the remaining 11 matches are few to catch up with league runaway leaders Gor who have amassed 52 points from 20 matches and have three in hand.Ingwe, currently placed fifth with 36 points, trail Gor by 16 points and the stylish coach has intimated reverting to defending the Shield Cup after successfully rallying his charges to quarter finals after edging Mwatate United 2-1. Leopards are set to face National Super League side Kenya Police in the quartersSpeaking after the hard fought win which came courtesy of goals from Eugene Mukangula and Ezekiel Odera to nullify John Musyoka’s early goal, Zapata assured of competitive next season as he had succeeded in building a strong and a relatively young squad.“Unfortunately we lost our last chance to fight for the league on Sunday but my short term goal remains to win the remaining matches and try to finish in the top three. I also want to defend the Shield Cup. In my long term goal, I am building a strong team for next season which will challenge for the league. I will give a detailed report on the progress at the end of the season.”He lauded his playing unit for rallying from a goal down to overpower the resilient Division One side who had surprisingly broken for the breather while leading. He singled out lack of concentration from the players he summoned for duty as the main undoing towards the poor first half display.Kenyans dominated Round One play of the foursomes as the third edition of Victoria Cup teed off yesterday at VetLab Sports Club.The chilly weather did not dampen the spirits of the home players at the 18-hole course which is hosting the prestigious two nation event for the first time.In the early morning foursomes, Daniel Nduva and Agil Is Haq defeated the Uganda duo of Hadif Muhumuza and David Kamui 1-0.Nduva and Haq, who are teammates at Nyali Golf & Country Club, combined really well, taking the battle to the visitors. The duo are some of the players who were spotted from the evergreen Nyali production line which keeps churning juniors year in, year out. Dennis Saikwa and Mike Kisia also beat Mwanja Becca and Gaita Rodel 1-0.Multiple former Kenya Champion John Karichu and Paul Muchangi of Kenya were in a class of their own and proved quite formidable for visitors Joseph Cwanyai and Herman Mutebi with a 1-0 win.Reigning Kenya amateur champion Edwin Mudanyi, playing on home turf, savoured victory in company of junior player Mutahi Kibugu when they vanquished the Ugandan duo of Richard Baguma and Ronald Bagumayo. Mudanyi was among the four players, who represented Kenya at the recent Sunshine Tour-sectioned KCB Karen Masters alongside Mutahi and Karichu.Both Kenya and Uganda are fielding a total of 10 players for the tournament in pursuit of the coveted trophy donated by legendary Marathoner, Moses Tanui.Victoria Cup has since inception in 2016 reinvigorated the brotherly sporting rivalry between Kenya and Uganda and has grown over the years, placing it on the calendar for well-sought golf events.The equivalent of Elgon Cup in rugby and CAC FIM Africa Championship in motocross, the tournament is played on the Ryder Cup format, and kicked off with foursomes yesterday followed by the fourball better ball in the afternoon on Day one. Play resumes today with Kenyans maintaining their dogged campaign in search of a rare hat-trick. The event comes to a close with the subsidiary plays on Saturday morning, followed by singles in the afternoon. The inaugural tournament took place at Muthaiga Golf Club in 2016 before moving to Uganda’s Entebbe Golf Club in 2017; where the Kenyans lifted the trophy on both occasions by beating the Ugandans with a single point (2016) and two points (2017).After a week break, the National Super League resumes today with log leaders Ushuru out to extend their lead when they host Nairobi City Stars at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho.The game will start at 4.15pm and will be preceded by an encounter between Administration Police and St Joseph’s Youth at 2pm. Bidco United host struggling Kisumu All Stars at Thika Stadium. A win for Ushuru will see them move to 48 points on the log and enhance their chances of returning to the SportPesa Premier League. “We are working hard to avoid any slip up,” said coach Ken Kenyatta.Tomorrow, Western Stima starts life without Ugandan coach Richard Makumbi who was asked to step aside against Kibera Black Stars at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.Paul Ogai has been named the power men’s interim coach. Western Stima are second on the table with 43 points. Third placed Nairobi Stima will be at Camp Toyoyo to face Talanta FC and will be looking for a win to remain in the promotion matrix. In another game to be played at the same venue, KCB play Kangemi All Stars.At Mbaraki Sports Club, Modern Coast Rangers welcome Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos while Nakuru All Stars and GFE 105 face off at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.Struggling Isibania FC host Kenya Police at Sony Green Stadium in Awendo.Meanwhile, the battle for slots in the second tier league hots up as National Division One zone ‘B’ leaders Eldoret Youth travel to St Andrew Turi to tackle Timsales tomorrow. Second placed Shabana FC host neighbours Trans Mara Sugar at Mosocho Academy with third-placed Kisumu Hot Stars taking on Griffin at Moi Stadium in a Kisumu derby. Raiply and Silibwet will square it out at Bishop Dellany High School while Poror Mote welcome St Joseph’s Youth Academy at Poror High School. On Sunday, Bungoma Super Stars and Timsales square it out at Kanduyi Stadium. At Miwena grounds, Bondo United will host Nyakach United.Newcomers headline boys volleyball semi finals set for today in the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term Two Games at Hill School, Eldoret.Kapkenyeloi (Rift Valley), Shimoni (Coast) and Mogonga PAG who locked out the 2017 winners Sengera SDA in the Nyanza Region finals have all made the cut to the semis in their first year of featuring in the national showpiece.Kapkenyeloi, who topped Pool ‘A’ will come face-to-face with Mogonga PAG in the first semis, whil Pool ‘B’ will see leaders Malava Boys entertain Shimoni in the second tie.Kapkenyeloi sealed their unbeaten run with a 3-0 (25-11 25-20, 25-21) victory over Lang’ata High as former champions Malava maintained their winning ways, beating Gatunga 3-0 (25-8, 2514, 25-18). Mogonga finished second to Malava after defeating a stubborn Karega 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-16). On the other hand, Shimoni outwitted North Eastern’s Furaha 3-0 (25-19, 25- 11, 25-19).Malava Boys’ setter Elvis Kimutai said the assignment ahead of them is not easy but will keenly stick to coach Shadrack Tovoko’s instructions as they seek to reach final.“We have had it smooth in the past three days and we are now at the most crucial stage of the competitions. We have to execute our well thought out moves in the offence and be very keen in defence. Shimoni may be an underdog but they are equally a good team,” averred KimtaiGirls’ national and East Africa defending champions Kwanthanze face a lethal debutants Bishop Sulumeti in the semis as Soweto Academy lock horns with Cheptil.On their way to the semis, Kwanthanze won all their matches, wraping up preliminaries with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-14) win over former champions Tetu Girls.Bishop Sulumeti eased past St. John’s Kaloleni 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-17) as Soweto Academy had an easy 3-0 (25-4, 25-3, 25-3) win over Makoror in their last group match.Cheptil, on the other hand, were pushed to the wall by newbies Nyakach Girls before escaping with a 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 15-8) win.Cheptil captain Benedine Chepng’etich intimated that they are ready to confront Soweto and that they will not leave anything to chance.“We are ready for the semis and very focused on advancing to the finals. We picked valuable lessons from Kwanthanze on Day One and we’ll definitely up our game at this level,” noted Chepng’etich. The finals will be played tomorrow with all the top three teams in the girls category booking tickets to the East Africa Games. The boys category will only see the finalists book tickets to the Rwanda show.Former national Under-19 football champions Kakamega High’s ‘Green Commando’ have landed a tough opponent in today’s semis at Hill School, Eldoret.The Green Commando, who are tutored by Brendan Mwinamo, drew 1-1 with Nyanza’s Ringa in their last group match to book a date with Nairobi’s Dagoretti. Kevintom Machika put Kakamega ahead in the 18th minute but Aaron Nyagaka leveled the scores in the 73rd.The second semifinal tie will pit St. Anthony’s Kitale and Olbolsat. The boys from Trans Nzoia County side advanced to the semis unbeaten after tallying seven points by hammering Kathungi 2-0 in their third pool fixture. Chrispinus Wekesa and Moses Mudavadi were St. Anthony’s talismen, netting in the 42nd and 50th minutes respectively.On the other hand, Dagoretti settled for a goal-less last group fixture with Shimba Hill as Olbolsat thwarted Tarbaj 4-1 to advance.Dagoretti High coach Joseph Makokha said between yesterday and today, he only needed to have his charges maintain focus to deliver.“It is not an easy tie but the boys are determined to record a win and get to the finals. Kakamega are a formidable side and we can not afford complacency at this juncture,” he said.Meanwhile, Noel Oruka, Felistus Atieno and Ivy Chepkurui netted one goal each as debutantes Moi Girls Nangili beat Materdei High 3-0 to cruise to the girls’ Copa Coca Cola Under-16 semi finals. They meet defending champions Olympic Mixed. Waa Girls settled for a barren draw against Tartar Girls for the former to book a place in the semis against 2016 holders Wiyeta. In the boys clashes, Riyabu High won 2-1 against Sabunley to advance to the semis where they meet St. Anthony’s. The second semis will pit St. Peter’s Mumias and Upper Hill though the latter lost to St. Anthony’s 2-1, while the former hammered St. Cyprian 4-0 in their last pool match.The National Oil Corporation has renewed its sponsorship deal with the Kenya women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, worth Sh42 million which will run for three years.The initial deal ran from 2014 and expired in 2016. The exit of the sponsors two years ago saw Kenya Volleyball Federation fail to send a team to the World Grand Prix last year, citing financial constraints.The renewal of the deal wouldn’t have come at the right time as Malkia Strikers are currently in training ahead of the World Championship set for September 29 to October 20 in Japan. KVF chairman Waithaka Kioni lauded the development and challenged other entities to follow suit. Kioni said KVF have a busy schedule with four teams lined up to feature in different championships.They include the national men and women’s Under-20 teams, who will take part in the Africa Nations Championship; Malkia Strikers ‘B’ set for next month’s East Africa Games and the Malkia strikers, who will take part in the global show. “We are happy to be renewing our partnership with NOCK. Their support over the years has been tremendous in enhancing our activities locally and internationally. Your continued support has ensured we remain on this path of success.”He added: “ I also recognise the efforts the government through the Ministry of Sports have made in as far as the sports is concerned and look forward to a continued working relationship.”Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim expressed her joy over the sponsorship windfall. “On behalf of the team, I would like to thank National Oil Corporation for this long-term commitment to sponsor our activities. Through this partnership, the ladies feel confident of the growth and development of the volleyball,” said Moim.National Oil Corporation CEO Maryjane Mwangi, said the renewal of the sponsorship is a demonstration of her company’s commitment to grow sports in the country.“As a corporation, we also believe this investment in the Malkia Strikers is instrumental in promoting volleyball and by extension sports in Kenya. Sports are the world’s greatest activities that unites people irrespective of their race, tribe, gender or political affiliation,” noted Mwangi.