KCB unveil star-studded squad for African volleyball club championships

KCB Volleyball team on Friday, 10 April unveiled a star-studded squad expected to represent the side at the 2026 Africa Women’s Club Championship scheduled for Cairo, Egypt from Saturday, 11 to Friday, 24 April.

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Among the key inclusions in the 14-player delegation were Kenyan international Esther Mutinda and libero Josphine Kataa, plus the return of middle-blocker Mildred Cherop, who rejoined the side after a one-year stint in the United Arab Emirates.

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On the negative side however, head coach Japheth Munala will have to make do without the services of influential captain Edith Wisa, who misses out due to personal reasons.

“We have had good preparations, and the players are motivated heading into this tournament,” Assistant Coach David Kinga, who will be joined on Munala’s bench by Team Manager Marvin Tuikong, Team Doctor Simon Kibe, Strength and Conditioning Coach Esau Otieno, and trainer Eunice Mayo, said.

“The competition will be tough, but we are ready to give our best and fight for a strong finish.”

The Bankers, who lifted the African title in 2006 and again in 2022, head into the championships looking to bounce back strongly after finishing fifth in last year’s edition.

The team for that task fittingly has worthy names, including: Mercy Moim, Juliana Namutira, Sharleen Maywa, Deborah Jesang, Belinda Barasa, Pauline Chemtai, Sharon Serem, Lincy Jeruto, Josephine Wafula, Malyne Terry, and Fridah Boke.

Paul Bitok is expected to serve as Technical Director.

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Speaking during the team’s flag-off ceremony, KCB Group Director, Marketing and Communication, Rosalind Gichuru said: “This championship provides a vital continental platform for our players to showcase their talent, compete at the highest level, and position Kenya as a powerhouse in African volleyball. As KCB, we remain committed to supporting sports excellence and giving our athletes opportunities to shine beyond our borders.”

A total of 24 teams from 14 countries will compete during this year’s competition, with top clubs such as defending champions Zamalek SC, Al Ahly SC, and Alexandria SC from Egypt confirmed.

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Kenya will be well represented by KCB, Kenya Pipeline, and DCI, underlining the country’s growing dominance in African women’s volleyball.

On the local scene, KCB has been in solid form.

The team is currently preparing for a Kenya Cup quarterfinal clash against Kenya Defence Forces after the continental showdown. In the national league standings, the Bankers sit fourth with 10 points, trailing DCI, Post Bank, and Kenya Prisons.