Edith Wisa Ruled Out as KCB Step Up Preparations for Africa Volleyball Club Championships

The KCB Women’s Volleyball Team is intensifying preparations ahead of the 2026 African Women's Volleyball Club Championship, scheduled to run from April 11 to 24, as the bankers aim to reclaim their place at the top of African volleyball.

With expectations high, the team is determined to bounce back stronger and make a lasting impression on the continental stage.

The squad has pitched camp at the Sports View Hotel, where they have been undergoing rigorous and structured training sessions at the Moi International Sports Centre Indoor Arena.

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The technical bench has focused on sharpening both tactical awareness and physical conditioning, ensuring the players are in peak form ahead of the competition.

Head coach Japheth Munala expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress so far, highlighting the commitment shown by the players during camp.

“We have had a very good training camp and the players are responding well to the programme,” said Munala. “The focus is on improving our systems and ensuring that we are fully prepared physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.”

KCB will be looking to improve on last year’s performance, where they finished fifth, a result that fell short of their expectations. With a renewed sense of purpose, the team is eager to reassert itself among the continent’s elite clubs.

The former champions, who lifted the title in 2006 and again in 2022, are approaching this year’s tournament with confidence and ambition, aiming to add another trophy to their decorated history.

“We know the competition will be tough because the best clubs on the continent will be there,” Munala added. “But we believe in the quality within our squad, and we are confident that we can compete strongly.”

The team has received a major boost with the return of Kenyan international Esther Mutinda, whose presence is expected to strengthen the attacking department. Her experience at the highest level brings added firepower and leadership on the court.

Defensively, the arrival of libero Josphine Kataa provides much-needed depth and stability in the back court, while middle blocker Mildred Cherop rejoins the squad after completing a one-year stint in the United Arab Emirates, adding further strength to the team’s core.

However, KCB will have to cope without the services of captain Edith Wisa, who will miss the tournament due to personal reasons, a setback that presents both a challenge and an opportunity for others to step up.

In Wisa’s absence, current captain Mercy Moim has stepped up to lead the squad, emphasising unity and determination within the camp as the team prepares for the continental assignment.

“We have been preparing well, and the team spirit in camp is very high,” said Moim. “Our goal is to go there, compete strongly, and represent the club and the country with pride.”

Moim further noted that the team is inspired by KCB’s rich legacy in African volleyball and is motivated to continue that tradition of excellence.

“KCB has a strong legacy in African volleyball, and we want to build on that,” she said. “Every player in this team understands the responsibility, and we are ready for the challenge.”

The travelling squad for the championship will be named on Friday as the team wraps up its final phase of preparations. The bankers are expected to depart on Saturday, fully focused on their mission to reclaim continental glory.