Sports

Heroic welcome for continental champs

Friday, June 3rd, 2022 02:40 | By
KCB team with their officials pose for a photo after returning from the 2022 African Club Championship in Tunisia where they were the overall winners yesterday. PD/DAVID NDOLO

KCB Women’s Volleyball team who are the 2022 African Club Championship winners arrived back in the country yesterday morning after their grand outing in Tunisia.

They were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by jubilant family members and volleyball fans.

The Lionesses, who dominated the competition’s awards, stunned record holders Al Ahly 3-1 on Tuesday night in a final to seal the title and win the continental glory for the first time in 16 years.

KCB Group Chief Executive Officer  Paul Russo said: “After the long wait pursuit, and resilience, we triumphed. This goes a long way in further building the heritage of Kenyan teams in global competitions.

“For us, the victory is a big reward towards our years of investments in the volleyball team as well as other sports disciplines in East Africa. We take pride in the team and we look for ways of motivating the team for greater performance into the future,” he added.

Throughout the tournament, the team won six out of the seven matches, beating some of the biggest clubs in Africa.

“The victory for KCB is a victory for Kenya and a victory for East Africa,” said Charles Nyaberi, vice chairman Kenya Volleyball Federation.

Conquered the continent

 Speaking during the homecoming party, Head Coach Japeth Munala said, “Our objective was to go out there and put Kenya on the map as a behemoth in this sport.

“Having conquered the continent, we have come back home, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team who demonstrated resilience, hard work, and teamwork throughout the competition.”

Right attacker Sharon Chepchumba was named most valuable player (MVP) in the tournament, while her counterpart Mercy Moim scooped the best receiver accolade.

 Chepchumba, the reigning Africa best attacker with the national team, bagged 56 points in the final, managing 66 attacks.

 Captain Edith Wisa who was also feted as the best middle blocker in the competition, has expressed her desire to win the local league and has set her eyes on the continental showpiece next year.

“Victory is sweet.

You cannot simply put in words the amazing feeling you get, especially after such an arduous competition. We have shown that it is possible if you work for it.

“I am proud of all of my teammates and I want to thank our technical bench for their prowess and guidance that helped us clinch this prestigious title,” Wisa said.

The team will be back in action later this month for the 6th leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league, with their opponents yet to be determined.

More on Sports


ADVERTISEMENT