Kundu chasing national, African glory in memory of Wanja

Kenya Pipeline veteran libero Agripina Kundu says the pain of losing her side’s trainer and former teammate Janet Wanja has ignited a fire in her to chase the triple this season.

Wanja, Malkia Strikers’ long-serving setter who donned the number 7 jersey for the oil merchants from 2005 to 2019, having switched from KCB in 2004, passed away on Boxing Day, succumbing to gallbladder cancer.

Mohammed Bajaber responds to Kenya Police transfer rumors

Kundu has played alongside Wanja at both club and national team levels, and admits she was a close friend, says that her resolve, and that of the club, is to channel their ache towards fighting for the titles up for grabs.

Pipeline are chasing the national league title, the inaugural Cup title whose action serves off on 7 February, and the African gong that has been elusive.

“Her absence is felt every day as she was an integral part of the team. Despite everything, we are working on fulfilling her wish for the team this season, winning the triple. As part of the healing process, which is not easy, we are determined to deliver this in her honour,” Kundu told Mozzart Sport.

With the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women’s league making a return for the third league leg on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January at Nyayo Stadium, Pipeline, headlining the standings on a five-match unbeaten run, face an acid test against Jeremiah Mukopi’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), ranked second on four wins in as many matches.

The Sunday match will be preceded by a clash against Kenya Army.

“We are targeting maximum points this weekend as it is important for us to maintain our run. It will be no walk in the park but we are ready to win for Wanja. We are carrying that pain to the court and leaving everything on the floor,” Kundu offered.

FKF Premier League players who should seek career-saving moves this January

Additionally, Kundu believes that the club has what it takes to finally end their trophy drought on the continental stage, adding that gold would be a fitting tribute for her departed friend.

With six titles to their name, Pipeline last lifted the CAVB Africa Club championship title in 2005, and two decades later the pressure is on to deliver.

“This is a trophy I haven’t lifted yet and it would be a dream come true to win it in Wanja’s honour,” Kundu professed.