Munala faces mass exodus at KCB but vows to rebuild

The former champions have parted ways with Kenya women’s volleyball team (Malkia Strikers) libero Josphine Kataa and setter Esther Mutinda, as well as Malkia Strikers trialist Pauline Chemtai, middle blocker Sharon Seren and outside hitter Faith Sakong.

Kataa, Chemtai, Seren and Sakong have crossed over to rivals and league champions Kenya Pipeline, while Mutinda is reportedly in Rwanda training with Rwanda Patriotic Army.

Recently crowned African Nations Volleyball Championship opposite hitter Terry Tata, meanwhile, remains non-committal about her future at KCB, amid reports linking her with a move to Europe.

Munala said the player exodus was not the first such challenge he had faced and insisted he had the experience to rebuild the team.

“It’s unfortunate that we have lost many players to our rivals, but that’s the nature of sport. It’s a big number and, of course, some of the players’ absence will be felt. But, on the flip side, fringe players will get an opportunity to play.

“It’s always a mountain to climb when players depart from a club because you have to start rebuilding again. But that’s my niche. I’m known for that. I have been in this situation before, in 2022, and I made lemonade out of it,” said Munala.

The former Malkia Strikers coach, together with veteran coach David Lung’aho, guided Malkia Strikers to the historic 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Group 3 title after beating Peru 3-1 (18-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-23) in Australia.

In 2022, KCB lost outside hitters Sarah Namisi and Jemimah “Magereza” Siang’u, as well as opposite hitter Marion Indeche, who can also play as an outside hitter, to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The bankers defied the odds that year to win the elusive league title after 15 years, dethroning Kenya Pipeline.

Munala, who is also attached to former national secondary school champions Soweto Academy and national champions Kesogon Secondary School, believes he still has what it takes to steer KCB to greater heights, provided the management remains patient.

He also believes the team retains enough quality to remain competitive.

“I have players that I can build a team around. Those players are very important. I might struggle in the first few legs, but in the run-up to the play-offs, the script will have changed.

“For players to be scouted by other clubs, it means I’m doing something good and different that is being admired. I want to wish the players well,” said the 62-year-old.

Munala will be relying on dependable outside hitter and former Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim, Malkia Strikers middle blocker Belinda Barasa, outside hitter Juliana Namutira, former Malkia Strikers middle blocker and assistant captain Edith Wisa, and liberos Lincy Jeruto and Josphine Wafula.

Report by Agnes Makhandia