Defending champions KCB upbeat ahead of African championship
Reigning continental champions KCB has continued with its preparations for the 2023 African Club Championship expected to serve off on May 12th -22nd, 2023 in Kelibia, Tunisia.
The bankers, who have been perennial participants in the annual competition, successfully defeated North Africa’s Al Ahly 3-1 in the final to be crowned 2022 champions.
The KCB-sponsored squad that is captained by Edith Wisa is expected to leave the country early next week before kickstarting its 2023 campaign.
KCB Head Coach Japeth Munala said: “This championship provides a great opportunity for us to showcase our volleyball talent across the continent while also exposing the players to international competition. We expect a valiant display from our team throughout the tournament for us to defend our title.” he spoke during the team’s training session in Nairobi earlier today.
Despite losing last year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sharon Jepchumba, KCB Head Coach Japeth Munala together with his technical bench have bolstered the squad with the additions of Esther Mutinda, Juliana Namutira, Elizabeth Lemosiany, Faith Cherotich, and Pauline Chemutai.
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The youngsters joined a pool of talent with experienced players such as Malkia Striker’s captain Mercy Moim, Edith Wisa, and Libero Lincy Jeruto and will be keen to fly the Kenyan flag high in their debut competition.
KCB recently qualified for the semis in the Paul Bitok Volleyball tournament that is expected to be completed after the Club championship following its postponement due to the demise of Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Waithaka Kioni.
On her side, Captain Edith Wisa said: “We know the uphill task that awaits us in Tunisia, as a team we are ready to conquer the continent once again and stamp our authority as the undisputed number one Volleyball team in Africa.”
25 teams, both men and women, have confirmed their participation in this year’s competition with record holders Al Ahly also on the list.
