Kenya Prisons coach James Mokua is elated with his team's achievement at the just concluded CAVB Africa Men's Club Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Prisons settled for the bronze place after beating Libya's Al Naser 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 18-25, 15-13) in the third/fourth place playoff.
Hosts Al Ahly won the title after defeating Tunisia's Mouloudia 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-18).
Before this year's event, Prisons had skipped the last seven editions due to financial hiccups.
"After losing in the semis, we focused on bronze in the play-off and I am happy we achieved it. Going forward, we want to build up on this and see what happens next," he added.
Mokua said: "Despite facing formidable opponents, including hosts Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly and Tunisia's Mouloudia, Kenya Prisons demonstrated resilience to make the podium."
He acknowledged that their journey to the podium was a difficult one but the players displayed commitment and resilience.
"We have learned our lessons in the entire championships and we will go back to the drawing board and rectify our mistakes in readiness for our next assignment," Mokua added.
Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) placed seventh while debutants Equity finished 11th in an event that attracted 21 teams across the continent.
Simion Kipkorir, alias Kosirai, playing for Mouloudiawas voted the best opposite player in the bonanza.
An elated Kipkorir said he was happy with the experience gained from competing at the highest level.
