Munala backs KCB to bag KVF title

KCB women's volleyball head coach Japheth Munala says the team's sights are set on winning the elusive Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) title this month. 

While admitting that the work they are putting in is geared towards having a better 2023 season, the tactician says that it will go a long way in helping them in the fight for the title. 

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The 2022 season's playoffs are set for 13 to 15 January at the Nyayo Indoor Arena with teams having only two weeks to rest before the start of the 2023 season. 

"We are the African club champions and we need to be performing as continental heavy weights even at home. We are therefore keen to fight for the local championship and I am confident in my squad to deliver.

We have alot of new players who will not be in action during the playoffs and as such, training has been focused on gelling and getting ready for the new season but we are also keen to have those who will be in action for the playoffs ready," offered Munala in an interview with Mozzart Sport. 

The side lost to Prisons Kenya in the 2021 playoffs held in Mombasa, a script Munala and his charges want to change.  

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"We have had some time to put our house in order after below par performances in the final leg of the regular season in Mosoriot and in Mombasa before that.

While I can attribute the losses to the transition we are on and fatigue, we still had areas that needed to be worked on and I am confident we have that handled," he continued. 

KCB will be without some key players, top on the list being Malkia Strikers' ace Sharon Chepchumba who has since landed a pro deal. 

While Munala admits the transition has been shaky, in a quick rejoinder he belives the remaining players have what it takes to carry the team to success. Their new recruits will also not be able to feature in the playoffs. 

The four teams, KCB, Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will be out to claim the title in the 2022 season that was interrupted by national team duty hence the spilling over to 2023. 

The top two teams will book automatic slot to this year's Africa Club championship with the bronze medalists also standing a chance to get a slot at the discretion of CAVB. 

"It will be a busy season as we begin the 2023 action immediately after the playoffs. We will look to defend our continental title and the local championship as well, that would be a good place to be this year," Munala concluded.