KCB launch Kenya Cup defence with dominant win over A Plus Volleyball Club

Holders KCB launched their Kenya Cup title defence in style following a convincing straight sets win over debutants A Plus Volleyball Club in the opening day of the second edition at Nyayo Gymnasium on Thursday.

KCB, who won the inaugural title in 2025, easily cruised to victory in sets of 25-9, 25-11, 25-14 to set the stage for a thrilling volleyball action from January 15 to 18 at the same venue.

KCB, drawn in pool A alongside DCI, Nairobi Prisons, and A Plus VC, showed their class and experience right from the first serve.

Head coach Japheth Munala expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing a strong beginning to their campaign.

“We have had a good start in this Kenya Cup. Remember we are the defending champions, so far we have started very well and we are hopeful that on Saturday also we are going to win so that we come top in our pool,” Munala said in a post-match interview.

The bankers’ dominance was evident throughout, with solid blocking, sharp attacks, and effective serving overwhelming the newcomers.

KCB’s middle blocker, Magdalene Mwende, was named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution in controlling the net and disrupting A Plus’ rhythm.

Munala’s opposite number, Paul Miricho acknowledged the gap in experience but remained positive about his team’s debut in the prestigious competition.

“Losing to KCB in three sets straight is not a big loss because KCB has been there for many years, they have experienced players,” Miricho noted.

The win sets a solid foundation for KCB as they aim to retain the crown they clinched in the inaugural edition last year after defeating Kenya Pipeline 3-2 sets in the final.

In another Pool A fixture, DCI launched their campaign in style, sweeping Nairobi Prisons in straight sets (25:14, 25:8, 25:20) with commanding scores that left no doubt about their dominance. 

DCI’s Carol Jeruto delivered a masterclass performance, powering her team to victory with precision, energy, and consistency, winning the Player of the Match award.

Her brilliance on court set the tone for DCI’s emphatic win and earned her the spotlight as the day’s outstanding star. 

In the men’s opening fixture, Division Two giants The Beast stunned Division One’s Nairobi Prisons, delivering a straight-sets victory (21–25, 22–25, 21–25).