Kenya Pipeline inch closer to retaining CAVB Zone V title after victory in the semi-finals in Kampala

Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone V Women’s Club Championship champions Kenya Pipeline inched closer to retaining their title on Sunday after a straight sets victory over Uganda’s  Sports-S in Kampala on Sunday evening.

The Kenyans showed why they are favourites to retain the title with a merciless display against the Ugandans who didn’t have answers to the powerful strikes from the Kenyan oilers.

Kenya Pipeline is the only Kenyan club that is taking part in the Zone V tournament as other Kenyan clubs decided not to take part in the competition.

Pipeline were expected to face tough competition from the likes of Kenya Volleyball Federation league champions KCB Bank and former champions Kenya Prisons.

The duo however decided to remain in Kenya and prepare for the Africa Club Championships which are set to be staged in Nigeria in April and it was left to Pipeline to fly the Kenyan flag at the Zone V event.

With their show in the semi-finals on Sunday and how they performed in the group stages, it means the other clubs will have to fight hard if they are to stop Pipeline from going back to Kenya with the trophy.

Even though Pipeline made some unforced errors, coach Geoffrey Omondi will be happy with the fact that his team had booked a place in the final.

The coach is expected to work on the shortcomings which gave the Ugandans some hope in the semi-finals before Pipeline were able to turn on the after burners and put their opponents in their place.

Once again national team players were key for Pipeline in booking a place in the final.

Middle blocker and Malkia Strikers captain Triza Atuka together with other national team players in libero Agripina Kundu and captain Gladys Ekaru showed the Ugandans why the Kenyans are the defending champions.

They won the first set 25-29 after 22 attacks even though they made many errors especially on the service line.

In the second set though, Pipeline showed their power not only in attack but also at the centre with blocks as they won the set 25-22 before another powerful display in the third set which they won 25-15 with coach Omondi able to rest some of his star players.