It has been two long weeks of hard work chasing this mission and we have delivered. It is important to highlight the journey from the group stage tk the final.
National women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers ended a three-edition losing streak in the CAVB African Nations Championship, beating Egypt 3-0( 25-22, 25-20, 25-14 ) to win the country's tenth title.
The Luizomar de Moura-coached side had come back from behind in the semis to see off hosts Cameroon 3-1 and not only open their path to the final but also move closer to qualifying for next year's Olympic Games.
Before the final against the North Africans, all the players had exhibited confidence and calm even as coach Luizomar preached caution.
Their demeanor was justified when the match served off as they were clearly the dominant side, easily dispensing their opponents to reclaim the title.
"We came here confident of the title and we have worked our way to the top. It feels good to be champions again. This trophy had stayed away for long but it is finally home. We have made history.
As the captain and the most experienced player in the team, I had the responsibility of guiding the team and I couldn't be happier with the result.
This is a culmination of two months of work. We believed in ourselves, in each other and in God and kept to the game plan. Whenever there was pressure on the court, we helped each other settle and that kind of teamwork has brought us this far," skipper Mercy Moim said after the match.
Head coach Luizomar de Moura was full of praise for his charges after the achievement, saying that this is a culmination of years of work and a clear statement that the FIVB program is working.
"Any victory and achievement comes with hard work. I am happy that the players remained committed to this process and the plans we had for them and today they are back on top of Africa.
It has been two long weeks of hard work chasing this mission and we have delivered. It is important to highlight the journey from the group stage to the final. They have grown with each match and I am proud of each one of them," coach Luizomar said.