Kenya Prisons are treating Friday’s opener against former defending champions KCB as a statement match as the 2025/26 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women’s league serves off at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.
Head coach Josp Barasa emphasised that his squad wants to set an early standard for the new KVF season.
Barasa said their eight-week build-up has sharpened competition for places and raised expectations within the camp.
“We have prepared with purpose,” Barasa said. “The players know what this season means for us, and they want to start with authority.”
He added that their focus has been on tightening reception and speeding up their attack.
“We must be clean on the first ball. If we control that, we can dictate the rhythm. We are ready to fight for every point.”
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) have intensified their preparations.
The former champions have been in camp at Nyayo for the past two months, and head coach Japheth Munala says his squad is primed for a title charge.
“We have prepared well for the season. We began our training sessions earlier, and my players are in good shape to fight for the title,” Munala said.
The bankers have been boosted by the return of experienced setter Esther Mutinda, who spent a better part of last season on maternity leave, with Munala attributing their failed attempt to defend the title to her absence.
KCB were forced to throw Faridah Boke straight into the starting six last season, and although the talent of the freshly minted graduate from Kwathanze was visible. She struggled to fill in Mutinda’s shoes.
And with the return of the Malkia Strikers regular to the fold, Munala will be banking on her in their quest for the title.
“We have good setters, and we have worked on improving them, and they are doing well. Esther is an experienced player, and her experience will help us. She knows where to place the ball, especially in critical moments, and she’s an exceptional player.”
KCB will be without the services of their captain, Edith Wisa, who will be away for the majority of the season. However, the return of Mildred Cherop will be a relief to Munala in filling the void left by the veteran middle blocker.
Cherop left KCB in 2023 for a professional stint in Dubai and returned after two years to partner with Belinda Barasa in the net defence.
KCB also roped in libero Josephine Kata from Kwathanze and attackers Mary Nanjala from Butere Girls and Phanice Nekesa of Kesogon.
Kata, who was part of East Africa’s title-winning side in school games this year, will be relied on to bring new energy in that area that has been ailing KCB for quite some time.
The 2024 champions launch their campaign for this season against Kenya Prisons.
