Kenyan women’s volleyball once again asserted its strength on the continental stage as the African Volleyball Club Championship concluded in Cairo, with KCB and Kenya Pipeline securing podium finishes while DCI delivered a spirited campaign.
KCB came closest to continental glory, but their bid for a third African title was halted in the final by hosts Al Ahly. The Bankers, champions in 2022, had looked in imperious form throughout the tournament, cruising through the preliminary stage without dropping a set. Victories over Nigeria’s Vipers and Partners, Seychelles’ ARSU Ladies, and Cameroon’s Litto Team Volleyball saw them top Pool D with maximum points.
Their dominance continued in the knockout rounds, where they swept aside Burundi’s GLC in the Round of 16 before dispatching Cameroon’s Mayo Kani Evolution in the quarter-finals. In an all-Kenyan semi-final, KCB recovered from a slow start to overcome Kenya Pipeline 3-1, booking a place in the final and raising hopes of another continental crown.
They made a strong statement early in the final, edging a tightly contested opening set 25-22 against Al Ahly in a charged home atmosphere. However, the Egyptian side responded with authority, taking control of the match to win the next three sets 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 and secure a 3-1 victory. The result handed Al Ahly their 11th African title, while KCB settled for a well-earned silver medal after an impressive campaign.
Kenya Pipeline, one of the continent’s most decorated clubs, once again proved their consistency by finishing third. After falling to KCB in the semi-finals, the five-time champions regrouped to defeat Tunisia’s Carthage VC 3-1 in the bronze medal match, marking their third consecutive podium finish at the championship.
Pipeline had been equally dominant in the early stages, sweeping through Pool A with straight-set wins over Seychelles’ ARS and Cameroon’s Lotto Team Volley. Their journey to the last four included a commanding victory over Kenyan rivals DCI in the quarter-finals, a match that underlined their experience and composure at this level.
DCI, the third Kenyan side at the tournament, also showed encouraging progress. They finished second in Pool C behind Carthage VC before staging a strong comeback in the Round of 16 to beat Ethiopia’s National Alcohol 3-1. Their run ended in the quarter-finals after a 3-1 defeat to Pipeline, but their performances signaled a growing presence on the continental scene.
Kenyan players were also prominent in the individual honors, reflecting the country’s depth of talent. Four players were named in the tournament’s Dream Team, highlighting their influence across the competition.
KCB’s Tata Jerry Makyn was recognized as the Best Opposite Hitter, while teammate Sharon Cherono Serem earned the Best Server award in addition to her inclusion among the top middle blockers. Juliana Namutira added to KCB’s accolades after being named Best Outside Hitter, while Kenya Pipeline’s Elizabeth Sokoiyo Marian took home the Best Middle Blocker award.
