KCB, Pipeline cruise to Africa Club Championships quarters

Defending champions, KCB are through to the quarterfinals of the ongoing women’s African Volleyball Club Championship after a resounding 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-15) victory against Customs of Nigeria in a round of 16 tie on Thursday.

KCB extended their unbeaten run in the continental showpiece having won all their matches at the group stages.

KCB team's technical advisor Paul Bitok congratulated the players for booking a quarters' ticket saying: "It's such a great feeling that we are  still unbeaten in four matches since the start of this tournament. This goes to show that we are on course for our title defence and I believe the sky is the limit. But after the round of 16, the major challenge is now in the quarters and semis," Bitok said.

Earlier at the Nebael indoor Gymnasium which alongside Grombalia hall is hosting the annual event, Kenya Pipeline (KPC) also cruised through to the quarter finals with a strong 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-15) win over AJD Diofior of Senegal.

The Kenyan champions tormented their opponents with their signature hard-hitting antics in the round of 16 encounter which lasted for one hour and 10 minutes only.

The match started-off with some scintillating early attacks from both teams in the first set which Pipeline later recovered with the help of Trizah Atuka, Daisy Cheokorir and Pamela Adhiambo among others.

Head coach Paul Gitau expressed optimism that the girls will rise to the occasion as they head to the last eight.

"We will not let our fans down and will do all that it takes to make sure we lift the trophy as it's in our wish and mission. Our objective is to reach the finals."

He added: "Our unbeaten run goes to show that we are still a good team. But the round of 16 is a tricky one as you get to play teams that have been knocked out and given another chance. Such teams have nothing to lose. The team we played today was just enjoying volleyball, and trying to do what they could, and they were scoring."

Gitau said he is happy to get to the quarters and pick the battle from where they left.

"I am happy we went through the pools unbeaten and we have now passed that. The essence for now is to start to think about the quarters and semis and perhaps the final." Gitau went on.

Pipeline star player Atuka on her part remarked: "It feels great, of course, for us to achieve our goals, which entails starting from the pool to the round of 16 and so on."