Volleyball: KCB win KVF title after 15-year wait

The immediate former champions claimed the first set 25-18 before the Japeth Munala led troops rallied to bag the other sets in 25-19, 25-21 and 25-21, hoisting their first title since 2008 after topping the four-team end of season playoffs held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The Bankers finished the three-day KVF league's climax on seven points while Kenya Pipeline settled for the runners up spot on six points. Both teams secured slots for next year’s African Clubs Championships.

Head coach Japheth Munala was awed by his side's impressive shift to prove their naysayers wrong.

"We took three weeks to work on our blocks, attacks and services and that is why we won the game.

"We've been playing second fiddle for three years but we've been patient and it has finally paid off," noted Munala.

On her side captain Edith Wisa celebrated the win as a dream come true after years of near-misses since she joined the club in 2019.

"We came with one motive, to win the title and we had to psyche ourselves for it. And we have done it. I’m overwhelmed"

The new champions will also have to thank Malyne Terry, a 16- year-old Form Three student at Kwanthanze High School who did not fear the big stage after she put on a standout performance to rally the Bankers to win the title in her play-off debut.

"Playing in the league for the first time and winning the title has been one of my best moments this year. There was pressure in the beginning but senior players led by Mercy Moim helped me settle down and eased the pressure on me," said an overwhelmed Terry.

KCB had laboured to defeat Kenya Prisons 3-2 in the first match on Monday before spanking DCI 3-0 sets on Tuesday.

Interestingly, Munala was at the helm when the Bankers lastly won the league in 2008 and he also helped the club win last year’s African championship for the first time since 2006.

Former champions Kenya Prisons failed to reclaim their title they lost last season after finishing third again at this year’s playoffs.

Prisons relinquished their title last season when Kenya Pipeline ended their four-year dominance and they have again finished behind KCB and Kenya Pipeline on four points.

The Josp Barasa coached charges defeated DCI 3-1 sets in their final fixture on Wednesday as the detectives placed fourth without a point.

Meanwhile, men’s reigning champions GSU were taking on former champions Kenya Prisons in the title-decider by the time of going to press.