KCB women’s volleyball team ended their 15-year trophy drought after thrashing arch-rivals Kenya Pipeline 3-1 in a heart-pounding four-set thriller in the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Playoffs at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday.
Despite losing the first set 18-25, the bankers made a remarkable though narrow comeback, securing victory in the second, third, and fourth with sets of 25-19,25-21, and 25-21 respectively.
Head coach Japheth Munala expressed his delight after following his side's historical feat.
"First, I want to thank my team for the impressive show. I feel honoured to win this trophy. Today, my girls gave their all and I am happy we won the title at the end of it all," said Munala.
He added: "We realised our mistakes in the first set and rectified the situation in the subsequent sets."
He said their undoing in the first set was losing a lot of balls during their service but they took care of the situation and made a comeback in the last three sets.
The Munala-coached side exerted their revenge against the Oilers having lost to them 3-1 in last season’s playoffs.
The gaffer, who guided KCB to continental glory in 2022, added: "I am thankful to the KCB management for support. We have not won in the last three years but they have continued to support us. KCB management has been patient with us and they are the reason we won this title today.”
The tactician praised Kwanthanze High School star Marlene Terry, saying she made a difference during the entire tournament.
“She is a student and being her first time at club level, she played really well. She was the difference and that’s why we won this tournament."
Munala said it is an advantage to go to the African Championships as national champions.
“It’s good to go to the African Championship when you have won the national title because it gives you confidence unlike when you travel as runners up," concluded Munala.
Elsewhere, Kenya Prisons secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory in a 4-set thriller against DCI to retain the bronze medal they won last season.
Prisons won the first set 25-21 before DCI made a comeback in the second set with 25-19. Prisons then went on to win the third and fourth sets 25-16 and 25-21 respectively. DCI Women finished the playoffs in position four.
