Chumba back as KCB aim to reclaim continental title in Cairo

KVF president Charles Nyaberi flagging off KCB women's volleyball team in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former African women’s volleyball champions KCB are looking forward to reclaim their title when the continental showpiece serves off in Cairo, Egypt this week (April 24-May 5).

The bankers, who last won the competition in 2022 after a 3-1 victory over Egypt's Al Ahli, finished fifth in last year’s competition after a 3-2 loss in the round of 16 to Algeria's Mouloudua Club in Tunisia.

KCB first won the competition in 2006 and has been part of the tournament for over ten times. 

The national champions were due to jet out of the country last night.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, KCB Group Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Judith-Sidi Odhiambo said:“This competition is more than just winning. It is about showing the continent what we can do as a club and a country, by extension. It is about learning and exposure, and I believe, as KCB, we are a strong team ready to take on our fellow competitors from across Africa. Last year, we clinched our first local tournament, and I believe it is time we extend our territory and reclaim the continental glory as well.” 

Technical Director Paul Bitok said that the team is more than ready for the tournament

 "The team is in good level and condition ready for the tournament,” said Bitok. 

The KCB squad boasts a blend of young, experience, and talented players, with the return of sensational Malkia Strikers attacker Sharon Jepchumba reinforcing their attack.

Team captain Edith Wisa, Belinda Barasa, and Elizabeth Mariana will anchor the middle as the blockers, while Mercy Moim, Mariam Musa, Juliana Namutira, and Sharleen Maywa take charge as dynamic left attackers.

Adding versatility, the returnee Sharon Chepchumba and the competition’s debutant Deborah Jesang will command the opposite attacking role.

On the defensive front, Lincy Jeruto and Josephine Wafula will excel as liberos, securing the backline. Setters Esther Mutinda and Sheila Wabwile will orchestrate plays while Pauline Chemtai stands ready as the dependable super sub, poised to make an impact whenever called upon.

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