Fit KCB conquers continent
After almost a decade-long wait, Kenya finally bagged the continental volleyball title after KCB Women’s Volleyball Club stunned 10-time champions Al Ahly Volley Club 3-1 Tuesday night to clinch the 2022 Africa Club Women’s Volleyball Championship gold medal gong.
The Bankers had taken an early 2-0 lead with a 25-18/25-22 score to set the pace for Japheth Munala’s charges during the highly charged competition.
Munala praised the Lionesses adding that they deserve the trophy since they have been the best team in the competition.
“I am profoundly grateful to this team for the amazing experience here in Tunisia. We came knowing the quality of play for our opponents and we did not take any side for granted. We have been solid throughout the tournament and the girls have been exceptional. They deserve it,” he said.
However, the third set was snatched by the Egyptian giants Al Ahly after a strong come back to humble the Bankers to a 11-25 defeat.
It left a tense atmosphere as KCB dug in to evade a decider with a fourth set 28-26 that set the whole bench and players on their feet at the Ben Naceur Hall in Kelibia,Tunisia after an hour and 45 minutes of top-level play.
Continental trophy
KCB technical director Paul Bitok expressed his gaiety following the team’s heroics thus far.
“It is unbelievable, to be honest. It has been about 15 years since we last won a continental trophy. I am proud of this group of ladies. We utilised the Covid-pandemic to adequately prepare for this tournament and today, we have reaped the fruits of our hard work,” Bitok said.
This was the repeat of the 2006 final when the Bankers saw off the Egyptian side 3-2 to lift their maiden continental title. It was a sweet revenge for KCB who lost to Ahly in the 2009 final.
The nine-year wait was finally over since 2013 when Kenya Prisons won the title in the 16th edition. The victory brought to an end the North African dominance in the Championships over the years with Kenya finally getting its groove back after years of misfortune in international assignments.
Opposite hitter Sharon Chepchumba was the main source of scores putting together 32 points followed by middle blocker and team captain Edith Wisa who only joined the team last year with 12 points.
Chepchumba, Wisa and Mercy Moim were the focal attack points in the competition for the Bankers who won a total of seven games during the tournament.
However, KCB suffered instances of poor coordination at the back-court which then earned the aggressive Egyptians a fighting chance and free points in the bag.
Ultimately the Bankers held on firmly in the last take to take it home with a two-point advantage.
Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club had to labor to beat hosts and fellow title contenders Carthage of Tunisia 3-2 to win the bronze medal. It was a see-saw affair in the court with the Oil Distributors dropping the opening set 20-25 before taking the second in a tight contest of 25-23. In the third set they lost 19-25 before coming back to clinch the fourth 25-23 and the decider 15-11.
In the semi-finals, Al Ahly had silenced hosts Carthage 3-0 in a score of 25-22/25-21/28-26 on their way to the finals. On the other hand, eventual winners KCB had beaten home counterparts and rivals Kenya Pipeline 25-15/25-23/25-12 before strolling on to win the title.
The last time a Kenyan team reached the finals was in 2015 when Pipeline lost 3-1 sets to Ah Ahly in Cairo while Kenya Prisons, who finished fifth this year, is the last Kenyan side to win the title in 2013.
