By OSCAR PILIPILI
Kenya Prisons blocker Diana Khisa said the team’s achievement at Sports Personalities of the Year Award (Soya) was a morale booster ahead of World Clubs Championship starting in Doha on Tuesday.
Prisons, who are Africa and Kenyan champions, were named SOYA female team of the year during the gala held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre on Friday night.
Khisa said: "All Prisons players are happy and very much encouraged by the fete. On the other hand it’s a big challenge for us as we go to the FIVB Clubs Championship because we’ve to maintain the standards and prove to Doubting Thomases that we’re indeed the best of all.?
Khisa is optimistic that Prisons will win matches in Doha and thus said: "We understand that we shall play against teams from Italy and Brazil but they are not as strong as their national teams."
It was a bountiful night for volleyball family at the Soya ceremony especially after the Prisons’ dominated national women’s team was declared second runners-up in the female team of the year category.
Prisons are scheduled to depart for Doha tomorrow ready to make their maiden appearance in the global tournament which features continental (clubs) champions.
Meanwhile, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has lauded the national women’s team and Prisons for their achievements.
Chairman Waithaka Kioni said the feat was testament that Kenya’s volleyball was on upward trend.
"It is something to be proud of for two volleyball teams to finish inside medal brackets in Soya ceremony," said Kioni.
Telkom Orange hockey team who scooped the runners-up position separated Prisons and national women’s volleyball team in the women’s team of the year award.
