Giants clash in volleyball tie: Pipeline, Prisons renew rivalry in Ndakaini

Khisa Ramukiru of Kenya Prisons (C) with Moim Sukuku block a spike from Rose Mugoi from Kenya Pipeline during theier 24th Women's African Club Championship match in Carthage, Tunisia, April 25, 2014. Kenya Prisons won 3-1. Photo/Stephen Mudiari/Piccentre. (TUNISIA).

Fresh from continental assignments, Kenya Volleyball Federation League champions (Women’s) Kenya Pipeline will renew their rivalry with Prisons Kenya when they clash in the second leg of the national league at Ndakaini Stadium this morning.  This will be the second meeting between the two giants in less than a fortnight after the wardresses humbled Pipeline 3-2 (13-25, 28-26,25-19, 23-25,15-13) in the quarter-finals of the 2017 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Tunisia.  Unlike Prisons, who have included instrumental left-attacker Mercy Moim and Gladys Wangui in their squad for the Murang’a County tour, their rivals Pipeline will have to do without the services of assistant captain Noel Murambi, experienced setter Janet Wanja and right attacker Evelyn Wangeci due to various reasons.  With a number of his key players out, Pipeline coach Japheth Munala has played down the pressure on the oil merchants ahead of the crunch tie.  “We are not feeling any pressure. It is just a routine game and we will just handle it the way it comes. As you are aware, Murambi (Noel), Wanja (Janet) and Wangeci (Evelyn) have not made the trip due to some unavoidable reasons. But I believe this an opportunity for the young players to prove their worthiness,” Munala told The Standard Sports.  But for Prisons coach David Lung’aho, they will treat this match with the seriousness it deserves.  “We are just from playing indoor volleyball, but we will try hard to adjust to outdoor play. All the same, we expect to play a good game. We are going for nothing short of victory,” said Lung’aho.  Just like Pipeline, hosts Nairobi Water will also be kicking off their season with matches against Kenya Commercial Bank and Mount Kenya University after missing the Nyeri leg.  In the Men’s category, national champions Prisons Kenya, will lock horns with General Service Unit.