By Oscar Pilipili
Nairobi, Kenya; Prisons have dedicated their victory in CAVB African Clubs Championships to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Prisons defeated Petroliers of Algeria 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 20-25, 15-6) in Madagascar Friday night to achieve their fifth victory in the tournament.
In a message sent yesterday, Prisons team manager David Kilundo exclaimed: “We’ve beaten Petroliers 3-2 sets and we dedicate the win to our new President Uhuru Kenyatta. He (Uhuru) sent words of encouragement during our training at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.”
“I hope the Government would give us full support as we prepare for the FIVB World Club Championship which will be held in Switzerland in October,” he said.
According to Kilundo, Prisons need to play series of international build-up matches, especially outside Africa, to realize their dream of recording maiden victory at global stage.
“There is need for us to train against teams with same quality like the ones we’re going to meet in Switzerland,” he said.
“We shall sit down and come up with an extensive training program for the World Club Championships,” he said.
At the same time, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has congratulated Prisons “for doing Kenya proud” yet again in the continental volleyball.
Chairman Waithaka Kioni said: “On behalf of the volleyball fraternity, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our girls for winning the trophy for their fifth time, four in a row.”
“This victory is not for Prisons alone but for the whole country. Kenyans are proud of you,” said Kioni.
The KVF chairman said the federation would accord Prisons maximum support as they prepare for the world contest.
“Prisons have proved beyond doubt that they are the queens of Africa and we now want to see them extend the prowess to the world level,” Kioni said.
The KVF head also praised Pipeline that was Kenya’s second team in the tournament for finishing fifth.
Prisons have represented Africa in the FIVB World Club Championships on all occasions since the event was re-introduced in 2008 after 10 years absence.
Al Ahly of Egypt qualified for the 2009 edition but the event was called off, thus shattering the dream of the Pharaohs’ girls from appearing at world stage.
