Champions KCB renew rivalry with Kenya Pipeline

KCB's Juliana Namutara (centre) strike against Trizah Atuka and Faith Imodia of Kenya Pipeline during 2023 Kenya Volleyball Federation playoffs at Kasarani Gymnasium.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Reigning champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will on Friday take on rivals Kenya Pipeline in the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Women’s National League at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The bankers will be looking to launch their title defence on a high having not played during the first leg staged in Nyeri. KCB coach Japheth Munala exuded confidence saying that his charges were ready for the weekend challenge that will also see them take on Postbank tomorrow and Kenya Prisons on Sunday.

“My charges are motivated and ready to showcase their skills. We didn’t get a chance to play in Nyeri because our opponents were a no show but now, we have a busy schedule and my players can’t wait to play,” Munala said.

KCB had been scheduled to play Deaf Volleyball who withdrew from the second leg. Kenya Pipeline on the other hand will be seeking to extend their good run and make it five out of five. They are currently third on the log with five points from two matches will also be looking to make the best out of the Nyayo outing and secure maximum points having dropped one point in their 3-2 (25-14, 25-27, 25-22, 23-25, 18-16) win over archrivals Kenya Prisons. They will play Nairobi Prisons tomorrow before ending the weekend with a clash against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Sunday.

Munala revealed that captain Edith Wisa who was out on a knee injury could be available for selection. KCB may also feature youngsters Marylene Terry and Faith Obeko who joined the club from volleyball powerhouse Kwanthanze Secondary School.  He also revealed that right attacker Pauline Chemtai is likely to miss this weekend’s action due to a knee injury sustained in training.

In other matches, top of the table Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will play Vihiga County while second placed Kenya Army entertain Lipalikes. Record title holders Kenya Prisons will be out to chalk their second victory of the season against winless Postbank. They will play Maranatha tomorrow and complete their second leg assignment against KCB on Sunday.

Vihiga who have three matches on the card will be out for a successful tour of the city having lost their first leg encounters in Nyeri. However, they face an uphill task against DCI at Nyayo today. They will also be up against Young Spykers and Maranatha tomorrow and Sunday respectively.