Munala over the moon as KCB drain Pipeline to win cup

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) volleyball club head coach Japheth Munala has heaped praises on experienced setter Esther Mutinda after helping them win the Kenya Cup at the weekend at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Mutinda, who had been away on maternity leave this season, showed her class as she rallied the bankers to stun nemesis Kenya Pipeline in straight sets to ascend to the inaugural Kenya Cup title.

The 29-year old never seemed out of place, delivering a performance of match in the Pipeline rout.

Mutinda was always at the right place and time brilliantly setting the ball for Juliana Namutira and Merline Terry Tata to pounce on and score the points for KCB.

“Mutinda has won us the title today,” an overexcited Munala said.

“She has been phenomenal! We had missed her experience in the team and we were in dire of her services. Luckily, she came in at the perfect time and helped us win the title.”

Talented young setter Faridah Boke had been tasked to fill in the void left behind by Mutinda during the regular season of the Kenya Volleyball Federation league and although she played her part, Mutinda’s absence was felt on the court.

It later cost the bankers the league title in May as they fell to the Oilers in the play-offs semi-final clash, relinquishing the title they last won in 2024.

Boke, a 19-year-old recent graduate of volleyball powerhouse Kwanthanze Girls high school, showed flashes of brilliance and why she’s being touted the next “Kenya One” or rather Janet Wanja, but it was evident Munala had missed Mutinda.

“We had a young setter who did her best but was inexperienced, sometimes making mistakes but she’s still learning on the job. With Mutinda back, she’ll be able to learn a lot from her,” Munala said.

Speaking to the press after the match, Mutinda was over the moon for being instrumental in KCB’s win. 

“I’m so happy, I just came back a few weeks ago and I’m glad I was able to help the team. You’ll even see much more of me in the upcoming season,” said Mutinda.

At the same venue, Kenya Prisons put on a commanding display to beat the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-19) to finish third.