Local derby to play out at Africa games semi-finals
KCB Women’s Volleyball team has booked a semi-final date with Kenya Pipeline after seeing off Kenya Prisons in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Women’s Volleyball Club competition in Tunisia.
KCB won all the sets against Prisons dethroning them 25-17 in the first set, 25-14 in the second and last set.
Head coach Japheth Munala admitted his charges have eyes set on the finals but says another tough battle awaits in the semis against a top side.
“I am extremely elated after this win. Kenya Prisons are a very good side and beating them in the quarterfinals was a really tough quest. We are aware of the quality of the side we are facing in the semis therefore we are still going to maintain the same focus and desire to win and make it to the finals.
“It is going to be a huge thing for us since it has been a while since we last won this trophy.” Munala said.
KCB has maintained top performances since the tournament served off on May 19, emerging second in pool B beating Nigeria’s Customs Service and Uganda’s Ndejje University.
Middle Blocker Mercy Moim was full of praise for her team for the cooperation and belief they had from the start of the tournament. She says every player has played her part in the team’s success so far.
Good work
“I am so proud of this team and our technical bench for guiding us well. We could not have done it without our coaches and each and every player for the good work they have done. We can’t wait to play in the semis and hopefully we win and go to the finals.” she said.
The bankers are currently leading the pack in the Kenyan Volleyball league with Prisons sitting second after round 5.
Meanwhile a dark cloud has engulfed the ongoing African volleyball contest following the death of Nasr Shaaban who served as a referee and a member of the CAVB Refereeing Commission. The 57-year-old passed away on Saturday in Alexandria, Egypt after ailing for a while.
“Shaaban had a distinguished career officiating at several major global events.
“He was a great mentor and team player who made an incredible contribution to the growth of African referees and the improvement of refereeing standards on the continent. His demise leaves African volleyball impoverished,” CAVB President Bouchra Hajji said in a statement.
