BOOST FOR PRISONS: Volleyball star attacker Moim cleared for Tunis tourney

Kenya Pipeline Company volleyball (in white jerseys) greet Kenya Prisons volleyball team (in yellow jerseys) before the start of their final Kenya Volleyball federation playoffs match at the KPA Makande GYM, Sunday November 30, 2014. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya Prisons have been given a boost ahead of this week’s Africa Club Championship in Tunisia? after it emerged their star left attacker Mercy Moim has been cleared by the international Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to play for the Wardresses in the continental showpiece that serves off on April 22 in Tunis.

The Malkia Strikers captain, who inspired her Finnish side Orpo to a third-place finish in the play-offs, was doubtful for the tournament alongside the French-based trio of Brackside Agala, Jane Wacu and Everlyne Makuto.

But according to head coach David Lung’aho, it is only Moim who has been given the green light by the world governing body to feature in the tournament after complying with the transfer rules. “We have been trying to fight so hard to see if they can all play, but because of clearance issues Agala, Wacu and Makuto will not travel with the team. But we are glad Moim has been cleared and she will be free to play for us. FIVB has already cleared her and we are just waiting for communication from CAVB. The good thing is that we have the clearance already with us. For the other three, I think time was against us,” Lung’aho told Feverpitch. “The morale Moim is bringing to the team is going to boost these young players.”

On her part, Moim said she is looking forward to a great tournament in Tunisia.

“I am happy that I have finally been cleared and am looking forward to helping my team do well in the championships,” said Moim.

Lunga’aho further defended his decision of including the youthful quintet of Ann Lowem, Shyrine Jepkemboi, Emmaculate Chemtai, Joy Luseneka and Vyonne Wavinya in his travelling party.

“We have five new players who proved their worth in the local league last year. I think playing in the championships will give them morale to fight even further. We are hoping for the best and if we can win with this kind of a team then we can win for a very long time,” said Lungaho.

Asked about Prisons’chances of reclaiming the title they last won in 2013, Lung’aho said: “I know the last two seasons, last year though we were not there, Pipeline lost in the final and the year before we also lost in the final but the fact that Kenyan teams have been in the finals gives us the confidence as we approach the tournament. Both of us (Pipeline and Prisons) are going for nothing short of victory.