Volleyball: Makuto shakes off injury, eyes Africa crown

Asha Makuto of Kenya Pipeline Cooperation Volleyball team during training at Pipeline Estate Grounds ahead of their final league matches at Ukunda in Mombasa this weekend, November 5th, 2014. Photo/Jonah Onyango.

Experienced national team attacker Asha Makuto is relishing her return to the Africa volleyball club championships this year with Kenya Pipeline in Cairo, Egypt, after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Makuto's career has been plagued with injuries (nagging knee problem), which she picked when Pipeline lost to rivals Kenya Prisons in the 2011 continental finals at Nazarene University in Nairobi. The injury healed but another one on the ankle, sustained during training prior to the 2013 national play-offs, has kept her out of competitions.

It has been a long, slow rehabilitation for Makuto, with hours spent in the gym after she was sidelined from club and national team assignments.

Pipeline have featured in three finals since their last continental club championships win against Egyptian side Al Ahly in 2005, but lost to Prisons, who have withdrawn from this year's edition due to financial constraints.

But as the continental show-piece serves off in Cairo this morning, the older sibling of team-mate Violet Makuto, Prisons women's attacker Evelyne Makuto and Prisons men's player Luke Makuto, is eager to help the seven-time champions reclaim the title.

"This time last year, I just wanted to get back and play, but the injury wouldn't allow me. Of course it was sad and bitter to be sidelined for such a long time, but I am happy to be back as I am much stronger and fresher," Makuto told Feverpitch.

"We have prepared well and with this squad, I am optimistic we are going to do much better than last year. We know it won't be easy for us, but remember it has been a long time since we won the championship."

Coach Japheth Munala and experienced setter Janet Wanja say Makuto's return is a timely boost for the team.

"Having a player of Makuto's calibre is a plus for us. Her experience will be vital in Cairo," said Munala.

Wanja said, "She is a big player with experience and I am happy to see her back and in very good shape. Our aim is to reclaim the title and everybody is counting on her."