L. MathekaEyes on the prize as KCB, Pipeline advance in CAVB Club tourney
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.05.23. | 20:59
The bankers are looking to defend the title while the oil merchants chase the gong they last won in 2005.
Africa Women’s Club Championships title holders Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) continued their match in search of back-to-back titles as they easily dispensed Nigeria Customs by straight-sets in the round of 16 to advance to the quarters.
The ongoing women’s club championship in Tunis, Tunisia has the Japheth Munala-led bankers and national champions Kenya Pipeline representing the country with the tile in mind.
2023 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship – Tunisia
— CAVB (@CAVBPress) May 18, 2023
R16 Matches (Knockout)
KCB (KEN) v NCS (NGR)
Set 1: 25 – 14
Set 2: 25 – 12
Set 3: 25 – 15
KCB through to quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/GByiZKLm8d
Munala’s charges played for a resounding 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-15) victory against the Nigerians to continue their dominance in another statement of intent.
“It is such a great feeling that we are still unbeaten in four matches since the start of this tournament. This goes to show that we are on course for our title defence and I believe the sky is the limit. But after the round of 16, the major challenge is now in the quarters and semis,” the bankers’ technical director Bitok said.
Earlier on, national champions Pipeline cruised to the quarters with another confident win in a 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-15) outcome against AJD Diofior of Senegal.
“Every stage is important for us and these matches are giving us the chance to work on our weak areas, realise our mistakes, capitalize on our strengths and improve as we advance to the tougher matches. Every match from here on is important as any slip-ups are costly so we are giving each everything,” the team’s middle blocker Triza Atuka said.
Head coach Paul Gitau was full of bravado saying that the team is ready for any opponent and they have nothing to polish on as all the work had been done in training and all that’s left is to execute.
“This win is proof that my team is on the right course. In the round of 16 we were up against a side that had nothing to lose and in such instances these teams are out to enjoy volleyball and see what they can do.
As we proceed, we face teams that we have not seen in action but we will handle them. I have a good team and there is nothing to change. We came here with the title in mind and that is our sole mission,” the oil merchant’s boss said.
2023 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship – Tunisia
— CAVB (@CAVBPress) May 18, 2023
R16 Matches (Knockout)
KPC (KEN) v AJD (SEN)
Set 1: 25 – 17
Set 2: 25 – 12
Set 3: 25 – 16
KPC makes it to the Quarters pic.twitter.com/TltUMv0heV
