Atuka satisfied with bronze medal

Kenya Pipeline assistant captain Trizah Atuka is satisfied with her team’s third-place finish at the African Women’s Club championships in Tunisia.

Many volleyball fans expected the Kenyan team to make the final, if not lift the trophy, but in the end, it was a bitter exit for Pipeline.

Pipeline defeated Revenue Authority of Rwanda 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-22 , 25-17) to win the bronze medal at the weekend, as Al Ahly (Egypt) defeated hosts Carthage 3-2 to retain the continental title, their eighth title.

Kenyan teams failed to qualify for the final, for the first time in many years, after Pipeline and Kenya Prisons both lost to Carthage at different stages in the tournament. Prisons tasted defeat against the Tunisians in the quarterfinal, before their sisters and local nemesis Pipeline suffered the same fate in the semifinals.

Despite failing to qualify for the final, Pipeline right attacker Violet Makuto had something to smile about after she was voted the best blocker.

In a phone interview with Feverpitch, Atuka said she is proud of their efforts despite failing to achieve their targets.

“We were going for gold, but it seems luck was not on our side. It was sad to lose in the semis, but I am happy we all put that aside and focused on winning the bronze. We couldn’t afford to lose twice,” said Atuka.

However, the national team middle blocker believes the tournament was an eye-opener for the Kenyan teams.

“The championship was quite competitive and a lot of teams have really improved. We need to up our game in future assignments,” said Atuka.

Five-time winners Prisons finished seventh after beating Algeria’s GSP 3-1 (16-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-19).

Both teams are expected to arrive this morning from Tunisia.