• VOLLEYBALL

• Frank Rotich 2 days ago

‎ KCB banking on youngsters to push them to glory at Kipchumba Karori volleyball tournament

KCB Volleyball Club is banking on its young signings to drive the team’s bid for success at the Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament which serves off on Friday.

‎‎The added three school volleyball standouts to its squad at the start of the season and they are hoping the fresh talent will give them an edge as they pursue the Kipchumba Karori Cup title.

‎‎Mary Juma, Phanice Nekesa and Josephine Kata joined the team as part of KCB’s long-term strategy of developing players from high school to top-flight volleyball.

The trio is expected to inject energy and competition into the squad as the club targets silverware in Eldoret.

‎‎18-year-old outside hitter Juma arrived from Butere Girls, while 19-year-old opposite attacker Nekesa was at Kesogon Mixed Secondary School. They are joined by 18-year-old libero Kata from Kwanthanze High School. Despite their young age, the players are seen as key additions ahead of the demanding tournament.

‎‎KCB has successfully used this pathway before with the likes of Merlyn Terry Tata and Fridah Boke having followed a similar path. Boke won the best setter award, while Tata was named the best outside hitter, underlining the value of trusting young talent.

‎‎Under head coach Japheth Munala and assistant coach David Hinga, the technical bench remains focused on building a competitive team through youth development.

The coaches believe the new signings will strengthen the squad as KCB seeks to win its first silverware this season at the tournament in Eldoret.

‎‎The Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament will be held from Friday to Sunday at the Eldoret National Polytechnic. Over 170 teams from Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan are expected to take part, with the winners set to pocket Sh1 million.

‎‎Top regional clubs will also be in action, including defending champions Equity Bank and national champions Kenya Pipeline in the women’s category.

DCI and Kenya Prisons are also confirmed, while men’s heavyweights such as Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and GSU will compete in the elite 16-team field.

‎‎Coach Munala said the team is encouraged by its early season form and believes the mix of youth and experience can deliver results in Eldoret.