Pipeline, Prisons depart for African Club contest

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Prisons and Pipeline volleyball teams departed yesterday for the African Club Championships scheduled to serve off in Carthage, Tunisia on April 18-30.

The two teams have shared the title 11 times between themselves. Prisons, the current cup holders, have won the event on five occasions including four times in a row (2008 and 2010-13).

Pipeline have won six times and their last victory came in 2005. The clubs’ admirable performance is expected to maintain the upward trend in the annual event.

Pipeline manager Kasujaa Onyonyi said, “we’ve encountered challenges like training without lights but  that can’t derail our focus to sparkle.

Although Pipeline’s squad features young players, there are a number of experienced players who are expected to lead the charges such as Janet Wanja, Monicah Biama, Esther Wangechi and Mildred Odwako.

Young players

Coach Japheth Munala would field some green horns on the continental stage. They are Eglay Kulova, Agripina Kundu, Gaudencia Makokha, Violet Makuto, Rose Magoi and Trizah Atuka.

In Prisons side, Coach David Lung’aho has included veteran players who are part of the all-conquering squad that recorded the five wins.

Maiyo is making a comeback to competitive action after a maternity leave of over a year.

Lung’aho, speaking on Maiyoi’s return said: “I’m glad she (Maiyo) is back and believe she would add value as we seek our fifth straight continental title.”

Luseneka has been a setter in waiting for years and she will make her international debut for Prisons if fielded.

The unfortunate part is that winners will not gain direct entry to the 2014 FIVB World Club Championships.

The FIVB late last year denied Africa direct entry to the global event and are yet to issue guidelines on the same.

Pipeline squad; Monicah Biama, Esther Wangechi, Mildred Odwako, Janet Wanja, Eglay Kulova, Agripina Kundu, Gaudencia Makokha, Leonida Kasaya, Viloet Makuto, Rose Magoi and Trizah Atuka. Coach: Japheth Munala; Manager: Kasujaa Onyonyi.

Prisons; Mercy Moim, Everline Makuto, Esther Mwombe, Diana Khisa, Joan Chelagat, Edith Wisa, Dorcas Jepleting, Bracksides Agala, Lydia Maiyo, Sally Wanjala, Jane Wacu, Joy Luseneka. Coach: David Lung’aho; Manager: David Kilundo