Tactical battle as Pipeline and KCB duel for African Volleyball glory

Kenyan female volleyball outfits Pipeline and the enterprising KCB will battle in Kelibia, Tunisia today for a slot in the final of African Club Championships.

The local Kenyan derby penciled for North Africa is slated for Monday evening with stakes raised so high for both teams. At the helm of the two sides are renown tactical geniuses Paul Bitok for KCB and Paul Gitau for Pipeline.

KCB already trounced over another Kenyan club, Prisons, in the quarterfinal and must face another Kenyan derby to book a place in the final where either Al Ahly of Egypt or Kelibia.

Prisons was the last Kenyan team to win the trophy and that was way back in 2013. Already a Kenyan team is guaranteed to reach the finals but will there be enough left in the tank for whichever team to bring the trophy home after the anticipated duel.

KCB technical director Bitok is playing mind games as usual. ‘Our strategy worked against Prisons on Saturday. We made use of the hard services and ensured experienced players Mercy Moim, Edith Wisa and Sharon Chepchumba were fruitful when they were upfront.

But the match against Pipeline will be a different ball game. They have good players like Veronica Adhiambo and Pamela Adhiambo who have been on the rise in recent times. Middle blocker Triza Atuka has also shown much improvement after recovering from the knee injury. It will be an interesting match and we hope to qualify for final and bring the trophy home. But should we not, then we will offer our support to Pipeline,” he told the Daily Nation

Gitau on the other hand wants his pipeline charges to play good volleyball with their sights on the title.

“I can’t really talk much about our opponents but I know expectations from both ends are high. We haven’t been able to meet on the local scene but I’m glad we now have a chance and let’s see how it goes,” said Gitau

KCB finished 9th during the 2019 edition dismissed Kenya Prisons at quarterfinal stage 3-0 (25-17, 25-14 and 25-15) to advance to the last four

Consequently, the bankers will face the Oilers who broke sweat to beat FAP of Cameroon 3-1 (25-15, 26-24, 25-27, 25-13) to book a date with their compatriots on Monday at the same venue.