NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 3 – It has been 18 years since Kenya Pipeline last won the Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship title, and coach Paul Gitau is aiming to quench that long wait for continental glory.
Pipeline is the second most successful club in the continent having played in 18 finals and won six of them, with an equal number of bronze medal finishes.
But, since 2005 when they beat record champions Al Ahly by straight sets to clinch their title number six, they have struggled to replicate the same feat.
They played the final in 2010, 2011 and 2012, losing in all the occasions to Kenya Prisons, while 2015 was the last time they played the final, losing to Ahly in Cairo.
Last year, they reached the semis in Tunisia, but won bronze after beating hosts Carthage 3-2 in the play-off.
“We started training last week and we had a meeting with the girls where we set our targets. We want to get to the final and from there, it is anybody’s match. Everything is possible when you get to a final. The biggest thing you need is belief and I have girls who believe and a technical bench which believes,” Gitau told Capital Sport.
He added; “When we get to the final, already it will be an improvement of what we achieved last year and that means no pressure on us and we can play a free game.”
Gitau who joined the team in 2020 masterminded Pipeline’s victory for the national title when they beat highly fancied KCB in the final at the Kasarani Arena. It was the Oilers’ first title locally since 2017 and it is from this kind of belief that Gitau believes they can conquer the continent, having beaten the reigning African champions.
“When I joined this team in 2020, there were so many things spoken and many questioned whether I was good enough for the team. But I thank the management because they believed in me. I just asked them to give me three years to turn things around. I have proved my worth,” the coach said.
Gitau has meanwhile said he will not change much on the side in terms of playing style or tactics and even the personnel, saying he does not think he will sign any new players for the next three years.
“I have a squad of 21 players. Some very young and who have already proven themselves. I don’t see a reason why I should bring in any new player,” Gitau said.
He added; “On the team and how we play, I don’t think we need to add or change anything. The only thing we will work on is the self belief and confidence. Just that and we will be good,” added the tactician.
The Africa Club Championships are scheduled for between March and April, though CAVB are yet to settle on a host.
