KENYA Commercial Bank have named a strong 12-member squad ahead of next week’s women’s Africa Club Championship set for March 25 to April 6 in Cairo, Egypt.
Speaking at the Indoor Safaricom Arena, Kasarani yesterday, KCB coach Vernon Kainga said the selection for the travelling party was based on experience and exposure. “I have faith in the 12 players we have picked. These players, in one way or another have featured not only in the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league, but have been part of the national team that has featured in the previous international assignments,” said Kainga.
“We have not participated in the annual event from 2011 and we are aware many things have changed. We know the event is competitive but again, we are up to the challenge,” noted the tactician. He said the fact that Kenya will be represented by three clubs in the same competition is in itself an inspiration. Other Kenya’s representatives are 2014 KVF champions Kenya pipeline and Kenya Prisons.
KCB final squad has—Eunice Maiyo, Linet Mukambi (liberos), Jackline Baraza, Pauline Baraza and Valentine Jepkoech (centres), Gladys Wairimu and Tabitha Makunda (setters), Bilha Chepchirchir, Edna Rotich and Naomi Too (left attackers) and Joan Chepkazi and Esther Simiyu (right attackers).
Those who were axed include—left attacker Leah Ndeso who is on loan at the club from Kenya Prisons, centre player Pauline Wafula and right attacker Lydia Too.
Reached for comment ahead of the competition, former national team player Edna Rotich said the team is well prepared and focused.
Rotich, who recently led Kenya beach volleyball team to victory in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, noted that they expect stiff competition especially from their local opponents—Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Prisons. “ But despite the competition between Kenyan clubs, one thing is for sure; we will bring the trophy home,” she assured.
She said the advantage they have is that despite making a comeback after a four-year lull, most of their competitors don’t know anything about them.
“That might work for us or against us, but all the same we are prepared for the competition and we can only hope for the best.”
The team which last won the continental title in 1996 will leave the country on Tuesday next week.
