The return of left-attacker Juliana Namutira is expected to bolster Japheth Munala’s charges when the team takes on Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at the inaugural Kenya Cup tournament at the Nyayo Stadium on Friday.
KCB are in Pool ‘B’ alongside rivals Kenya Pipeline, KDF and Kenya Army in the five-month event aimed at nurturing talent and elevating the game.
“We had an excellent outing during the third leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation league. My players gave their all and stood out after their exemplary performance on the court. I believe we will maintain the same focus and drive as we take on KDF in the Kenya Cup,” said coach Japheth Munala.
Namutira, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) during last season’s playoffs, missed the third leg of the league due to an ankle injury.
Before then she was sublime for Munala’s side since her arrival in 2023 and is expected to inject the much-needed firepower. In an interview, she said: “I honestly feel much better after the injury. I hope I will help the team beat KDF. Traditionally, KDF have always played well whenever we face them, so we expect a tough match. The girls are equal to the task and I believe we can kick off the Kenya Cup competition with a win.”
Libero Carren Jelagat, who recently crossed over from KDF, is also expected to feature against her former employers.
Youngsters Fridah Boke and Marlene Terry will also feature for the bankers alongside regular starters Mercy Moim, Belinda Barasa, Edith Wisa and Shirleen Maiywa.
KCB are fifth in the league standings behind Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Prisons, DCI and Postbank.
The team has, however, played fewer matches. Elsewhere, Kenya Prisons are banking on their depth and experience as they prepare for their Kenya Cup opener against DCI in Pool ‘A’, also on Friday at Nyayo.
Assistant captain Joy Luseneka is confident in her side’s readiness, going by their training intensity and cohesion.
“Our team is in great shape and the players’ morale is high,” Luseneka said.
“After finishing the third leg on a high, we’re motivated to scoop the top prize in this tournament.”
Prisons, who are also penciled to play Postbank in the pool stage, will seek to set the pace in the tournament. Luseneka hailed the increased activities in the KVF calendar.
The day’s action begins at 11 am with a Pool ‘B’ clash between Kenya Army and Kenya Pipeline, followed by Kenya Defence Forces against KCB at 1 pm.
Kenya Prisons will take to the court against DCI at 3 pm in a match that could set the tone for their campaign.