KCB, Pipeline set for epic KVF semi-final showdown

But the Bankers will have to see off former champions Kenyan Pipeline first as the two giants reprise their rivalry at the end-of-season playoffs that enter semi-finals on Friday at the Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa.

The league holders will be keen to get one up on Pipeline who prevailed 3-1 sets (25-22, 15-25, 26-24, 25-21) at this year's African Women’s Club Championships and 3-2 sets in the regular season.

The 2022 African champions have been sharpening their claws at the hosting facility and Munala is beaming with confidence they will stroll past the Oilers in the semi-finals that will be played in the three best-of- series format.

“We have been training for the past two weeks to ensure that we are in the best shape as we head into the semis. The training has been good and we are ready for the match.”

The former Malkia Strikers coach added, “Pipeline is a strong team; we have met on several occasions where they have managed to beat us and we’ve also beaten them so it is a fifty-fifty game but I’m sure we will upset them. The morale is high in the camp and the girls are ready.”

“We have been working on our mistakes to make sure they are perfect. We have been working on improving our back court defence, blocks, attacks and service and we are good to go.”

His Pipeline opposite number Geoffrey Omondi also believes they will be able to reclaim the title they last won in 2022.

“We have prepared well for the game; we know KCB are a tough side but we are doing everything to make sure we lift the title this season. We will give everything,” noted Omondi.

This will be the third meeting and Pipeline have won in the last two encounters, the latest being in the continental showpiece last month in Abuja, Nigeria.

KCB will be depending on young sensations Faridah Boke (setter) attacker Merline Terry Tata to put them through while Pipeline will be relying on last year’s best Outside hitter Mariam Musa and Loice Simiyu to seal the final spot.

Both clubs will miss key players with KCB missing the services of attacker Belinda Barasa who is out through illness while KPC’s veteran attacker Leonidah Kasaya remains on the sidelines.

Another semi-final clash will pit last season’s runners up Kenya Prisons and DCI with the wardresses targeting a final spot in two years in a row.

Men’s showdowns will see reigning champions Kenya Prisons clash with hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) while record winners GSU confront Equity.