Mutinda jumps ship to KCB from Kenya Pipeline

Malkia Strikers’ budding setter Esther Mutinda has joined Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women’s side KCB from Kenya Pipeline.

The bankers completed the signing of the player, who is back from maternity leave, in preparation for the league playoffs slated for 13 to 15 January 2023 at Makande Hall in Mombasa.

Mutinda leaves the Paul Gitau-coached former champions at a time when they are at the helm of the regular league standings and are looking to wrestle the title from Prisons Kenya during the January playoffs.

“I am so happy to join KCB. This is a top side in the continent with professional coaches. I am ready to use my experience in helping the team achieve set goals. At a personal level I would want to win the continental club championships in my first season with KCB,” Mutinda said after signing the deal.

Mutinda had broken into Malkia Strikers’ first team following the exit of accomplished setters Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja during the Africa Championships, being preferred in place of Joy Lusenaka during the African Championships.

High ambitions for DCI ahead of KVF playoffs

She, however, missed this year’s FIVB World Championships, including the two-month training camp in Brazil as she was on leave but is expected to fight for the position again in the busy 2023 season.

In her absence and with Lusenaka also unavailable for the global championship, the Malkia Strikers’ technical bench had to rely of the services of Emmaculate Nekesa and Veronica Kilabat in the FIVB showpiece.

KCB who are yet to win the national league in recent campaigns are expected to challenge for the gong when the playoffs serve off in Makande next year.