Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women’s champions KCB face DCI today as the national league playoff semifinals begin at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
KCB beat Kenya Army 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-18) in the first quarterfinal showdown before running them rugged 3-1 (25-17, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20) in the return leg of the best-of-three series.
KCB coach Japheth Munala said they expect tough opposition from DCI but exuded confidence they will prevail.
Munala expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance so far, saying: “Apart from facing setbacks with injuries, we are doing well in training.”
Apart from Debora Chesang’, Mercy Moim and Sharon Chepchumba, who are down with injuries, Munala said the rest of the squad is intact and focused on the main goal.
Munala cited their open play at the net and defence as their main undoing but promised to rectify their mistakes.
The KCB tactician said he believes they have what it takes to overcome DCI in the best-of-three series.
He said for them, it is one day at a time but believes they have an edge over the DCI squad.
DCI beat Nairobi Prisons 2-0 in sets (25-17, 25-17, 22-25, 25-18) and (22-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-14) .
Kenya Prisons face Kenya Pipeline in the other semifinal pairing. Kenya Pipeline overwhelmed Post Bank 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25- 19) in the opening quarterfinal clash and posted a similar margin of 25-10, 25-6, 25-8 in the return match.
Kenya Prisons beat Kenya Defence Forces 3-0 (25-10, 25-18, 25-19) and 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-17) in the quarters to advance.