Podium finish the bare minimum for KCB at African show -- Bitok

Source: The Star

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF)President Charles Nyaberi, Team Captain Edith Wisa and Patron Judith Sidi during the KCB Volleyball team flag off ahead of the Africa Volleyball Club Championship games to be held in Cairo, Egypt

Image: HANDOUT

National champions KCB will seek to reclaim the Africa Club Championships title when the continental tournament goes down in Cairo, Egypt, this week.

On Wednesday, the club unveiled a team of 14 for the 45th edition of the Africa Women's Club Championships scheduled for April 25 to May 5.

KCB technical director Paul Bitok said they yearn to reclaim the title with a podium finish the bare minimum.

"Our preparations have gone well and we are ready to fight for the title," said Bitok.

"However, we expect a tough challenge looking at some of the teams enlisted. We have the likes of champions Zamalek, Petroliers, Al Ahly and the Kenyan sides (Prisons and Pipeline) to navigate," said Bitok.

The Bankers have a mixture of experienced players and youngsters.

"We have a blend of experienced players and some youngsters. It is the direction we want to go," said Bitok.

KCB, last won the competition in 2022 after a 3-1 victory over Egypt's Al Ahly. They finished fifth last year after losing 3-2 to Algeria's Mouloudua Club in Tunisia. KCB first won the competition in 2006.

Leading the KCB pack are setters Esther Mutinda and Sheilah Khasandi with Lincy Jeruto and Josephine Nekesa the liberos.

Sharon Chepchumba and Deborah Jesang will serve as opposites with Edith Mukuvilani captaining the team from the middleblockers' position alongside Belinda Barasa, Elizabeth Sokoiyo and Pauline Chemtai.

The outside hitters include veteran Mercy Moim, Juliana Namutira, Mariam Musa and Sharleen Sembel.

Bitok is joined on the technical bench by head coach Japeth Munala, assistant coach David Kinga, trainer Eunice Maiyo, strength and conditioning coach Esau Otieno, physiotherapist Simon Kibe, team manager Moses Kimani, chaperone Emily Odhiambo and head of delegation Collins Odiwuor.