KPC clinch bronze after making the podium in Egypt

 

KPC volleyball team celebrate in a past match [Courtesy]

KPC have successfully mounted the medal podium by finishing third overall in the African club championships in Cairo Egypt.

Margaret Indakhala charges subdued fellow oilers from Algeria 3-0 of 25-22, 25-17 and 25-18.

By virtue of the victory, KPC has booked a ticket to next year's championships.

Kwanthanze high school alumnus trio of Sharon 'The steel' Chepchumba, stylish setter Esther Mutinda and centre player Gladys Ekaru made a huge difference in the team from quarterfinals. Playing alongside each other, the three who made their debut at the competition admitted invaluable lessons learnt and are optimistic of a brighter future. "It has always been my prayer to play alongside great names such as Janet Wanja, Gaudencia Makokha, Mercy Moim, Jane Wachu and that I've accomplished this through club level, I can only desire to join the others in the National team", said Mutinda.

Coach Indakhala speaking after the game said her focus now is to build a cohesive vibrant and focused team that will restore the club's glory. "We have unrivalled support from the sponsor Kenya Pipeline Company and the only way to reciprocate the enviable gesture is to post positive outcomes whenever we play. That will inform our Moto in every completion we register for", she said.

Indakhala admitted the stiffest opposition from defending champions Al Ahly Sports Club of Egypt but was quick to point out that both Rwanda and Cameroon are sides to watch in future. She said Rwanda's youth program seems to be bearing fruit as Rwanda Revenue Authority seems to be making admirable progress in every club championships. She cited FAP of Cameroon as a future formidable side. "They have the requisite skills and physique appropriate for subduing any opponent. They might turn out to be the biggest shockers in future", she added.

Veteran Janet Wanja had very kind words for her youthful team. She said kept intact, it will not be long before the trophy is brought back to Kenya. "The zeal and tenacity with which the young players have taken the game is inexplicably high and all things constant, 2020 will be a totally different ball game for the current heirs to the throne", she warned. She says there is a resurgence of players in the country and the centres of excellence such as Kwanthanze should be replicated elsewhere throughout the country. She envisages good posting both at the club and national levels. "All we need to do is allow meritocracy to inform players selection both at the club and national levels and we will be home and dry", she added.