NAIROBI, APRIL 19- Kenya Prisons women volleyball head coach David Lung’aho is hoping for an all Kenyan final at the CAVB African Women Volleyball Club Championship which serves off on Friday in Tunisia.
Prisons and record champions Kenya Pipeline will represent the country in the annual continental competition and both head coaches are confident either of them will come back home with the title.
“We have prepared well and I am optimistic we can make a charge for the title. It has been my dream for both of us to make it for an all Kenyan final and both teams have worked hard in training to merit that,” Kenya Prisons head coach David Lung’aho, whose side depart for Tunis Wednesday morning told Capital Sport.
It might be a good omen for Prisons if they meet their perennial rivals Pipeline in the final as they have won in all the three championship they have met their local enemies during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 editions.
Lung’aho’s side has been boosted with left attacker and team captain Mercy Moim being cleared by the International Volleyball Federation to play for Prisons after her contract with Finnish top tier side Orpo ended last month.
However, the French based duo of setter Jane Wacu and middle blocker Brackcedes Agala whose season with their club Chamaliers ended late have not been cleared.
Lung’aho has named five debutants in the final travelling team including three who finished High School last year.
Ann Lowem, Emmaculate Chemtai, Lilian Lelei, Yvonne Wavinya and Shyrine Jepkemboi are the new faces in the team.
Lung’aho will be looking on Moim’s experience and good form while the likes of Lydia Maiyo, Joy Luseneka and Elizabeth Nafula will form the spine of the team.
“It is a huge plus to have Moim in the team because she is enjoying very good form and has vast experience in these tournaments. I also have good young girls who have showed promise and good attitude in training so more or less I have a very strong team,” Lung’aho said.
Prisons last won the African title in 2013 after beating GSP Alger of Algeria 3-2 in a hotly contested final in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Their title defense went up in smoke in 2014 when Alger exerted revenge on them in Tunis winning by straight sets.
Having failed to qualify for the tournament last year, Lung’aho says the hunger to win back the title will drive his side to success in Tunis.
“It has been two years since we won the title and this hunger drives us. Even in training when you look at the girls they have that focus and I believe we stand a good chance,” Lung’aho offered.
Prisons travelling team
Joy Lusenaka, Salome Wanjala, Lydia Maiyo, Emaculate Chemtai, Mercy Moim, Yvonne Wavinya, Loise Jepkosgei, Lillian Leilei, Edith Wisa, Joan Chelagat, Anne Lowem, Shyrine Jepkemboi, Elizabeth Nafula