This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
July 24, 2021 - Tokyo, Japan - The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are just around the corner, and Malkia Strikers are gearing up to take on the best teams in the world. According to head coach Paul Bitok, the team has been working tirelessly to analyze their opponents' strengths and weaknesses.
Bitok revealed that the technical team has spent a significant amount of time studying the teams they will face in the group stages, including Japan, Serbia, Dominican Republic, and South Korea. 'We are currently working on how Japan attacks,' Bitok explained. 'We've been looking at which position they get more balls and exploring ways to block their attackers.'
The team has also been working on their own weaknesses, particularly in ball reception. 'We have reworked all these facets of the game that entail ball reception and we believe it will work against our opponents in Tokyo,' Bitok said.
Bitok is also excited about the competition venue, the newly built Ariake Arena, which the team had the privilege of training at earlier this week. 'It's really one of the best facilities in the world at the present. Actually, the best I have ever seen,' Bitok said.
The team has been in Japan for the World Championships and has been impressed by the venue. 'We really enjoyed our first training session there. We have been in Japan for the World Championships and really what we've seen in Tokyo now is really one of a kind,' Bitok explained.
Bitok is confident that the team's preparation and support will pay off in the end. 'It's the first time that we have ever had a pre-event training of four months and more than 14 days training outside Kenya. We hope to convert all these positive vibes into good results.'
