KPA ready for CNS challenge in African Pre-quarters

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men’s volleyball side, the only Kenyan men’s side representing the country in this year’s Africa Club Championships have everything to play for when they take on Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) in the round of 16.

The dockers lost one match, a 3-2 outcome to Algeria’s Jill Saad Commune Ouled Aduone (JSCOA) on Sunday to finish second in pool C, setting up a date with third-placed CNS in pool A.

Sammy Mulinge’s charges are looking to go past the fifth-place finish they have managed in their previous two appearances in the continental showpiece and such, have their work cut out as the knock-out stages get underway.

Outside hitter, Dennis Omollo, who is captaining the side in the competition says the team is ready to fight for a quarters berth.

“We have prepared well ad are not taking anything for granted. We did that on Sunday in the group stage and it cost us crucial points. Having picked valuable lessons from that loss, we are avoiding complacency and have to remain focused from the first to last whistle.

This is a team that maybe playing at this level for the first time but most of their players have been here with other Nigerian outfits so they are not to be underrated.

Our strong service and precise blocks remain our weapon in this match, but we will adjust accordingly depending on how the match unfolds,” Omollo told Mozzart Sport.

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Meanwhile, the women’s competition has holders Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) through to the last 16 as the best-placed team in their pool B.

The Japheth Munala-led champions wrapped up their pool campaign on a high beating Salitgue of Senegal 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-15) on Tuesday 16 May.

Technical director Paul Bitok was full of praise for the bankers singling out setter Esther Mutinda for helping the team play quicker with her excellent setting skills.

“We are taking the championship one match at a time, even as we look to defend the title we won last year. The knock-out matches are to be handled with a lot of caution as any slip ups could see us eliminated early,” Bitok offered. Adding that the mix of experience and youth is working well for the team.

The other women’s category representatives, national champions Kenya Pipeline are through to the round of 16 with a match to spare. The side play their last group match on Wednesday 17 May against Co Decaretes of Cote d'Ivoire as they seek to top pool C.