- KCB and Pipeline finished top of their groups
- Prisons finished second in group A
- KCB last won the title in 2022
Kenyan Clubs, led by defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline have all progressed from the group phase at the CAVB Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championships in Egypt.
Pipeline have progressed all the way to the quarters, while KCB and Prisons will have to play the round of 16 matches.
Pipeline expressly made the quarters as they had been scheduled to meet the fourth placed team from Pool A, but that pool only had three teams, which means they have automatically moved into the quarters.
National Champions KCB are set to face Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast in the round of 16.
The Japheth Munala-led side served off their campaign in Group D by edging out Association Sportive Bejaia of Algeria 3-0. In their second match, the Bankers stamped their authority by securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory in a four-set thriller against Litto Team Volley of Cameroon in an intense battle showdown.
“I am happy to say we have qualified for the round of 16. We had a rough time beating teams from Cameroon and Senegal. We are meeting Asec Mimosa and we are likely to beat them and qualify for the quarters to face our sisters Kenya Prisons,” noted Coach Munala.
Munala’s charges show spirit
KCB Coach Japheth Munala. PHOTO/CAVB
Having won a gold medal in the tournament in 2022, the Bankers under coach Japeth Munala, found it rather easy in the opening set but in the third set, the determined Algerian side almost carried the day.
However, led by outside hitters Mercy Moim, Juliana Namutira, Mariam Musa, Sharleen Sembel, and middle blockers captain Edith Mukuvilani, Belinda Barasa, Elizabeth Sokoiyo, Pauline Chemtai, KCB recovered after going down 10-7 to win by a close scoreline of 25-21.
In their second match, the Bankers stamped their authority by securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory in a four-set thriller against Litto Team Volley of Cameroon in an intense battle showdown.
The Bankers displayed their prowess on the court by winning the first set 25-21, the second 25-24, list the third 25-19 before recovering to win the fourth 30-28.
A total of 15 teams are taking part in the competition with Kenya being represented by Pipeline, KCB, and Kenya Prisons. Group A has Al Ahly of Egypt, NC Bejaja of Algeria, and Kenya Prisons.
“I am proud of the girls for pushing themselves and for the good results in the past two matches. We know the task ahead is not easy but we will do all we can to get a podium finish at the end of the competition,” noted captain Edith Wisa.
Bankers look to win title
KCB’s Mercy Moim in action in Egypt. PHOTO/CAVB
The bankers are looking to battle to clinch their third title, having failed to defend their crown last year, where they finished fifth.
Coach Munala and skipper Wisa say they are determined to ensure they do well and bring the title back home.
“We expect a very difficult tournament especially from the round of 16 moving forward, but we have prepared really well. We have looked at where we went wrong last year and tried to make it better and I believe as the competition gets tougher, we will also do well,” the tactician offered.
Just like KCB, Kenya Pipeline also won all their group matches to finish top in Group C, while Prisons, who were in Group A of three teams, won one match and lost the other, against hosts and title favorites Al Ahly of Egypt.
Kenya Pipeline players celebrate a point. PHOTO/CAVB
Their victory was against NC Bejaia of Algeria, where they had to come from a set down to win 3-1. The Algerians won the opening set 25-18, but Prisons bounced back to win the successive sets 25-17, 25-14 and 25-18.
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