Experienced Japheth Munala re-joins KCB

Kenya Pipeline coach Japheth Munala gives instructions during their Kenya Volleyball Federation play-off match against Kenya Prisons on December 3, 2018 at Kasarani indoor Arena. Munala has re-joined KCB on a three-year deal. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Commenting on Munala's capture, KCB volleyball team patron Sidi Odhiambo said the changes are aimed at bringing fresh impetus to the squad ahead of a grueling season where the Bankers will also compete at the 2019 Africa Volleyball Championship.
  • She said: "We are delighted to have Munala back at KCB. We are hoping to tap his expertise style, and philosophy in volleyball to take the team to the next level in the local, regional and continental competitions."

New Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) coach Japheth Munala has trained his sights on dismantling the dominance held by Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline in the top flight volleyball league for the past decade.

Munala exclusively spoke to Nation Sport on Friday, moments after he re-joined the bankers on a three-year contract.

Incidentally, the veteran trainer, who doubles up as the national women volleyball team coach, has been at the forefront of cementing the dominance he's intending to dismantle.

He's won the last four Kenya volleyball Federation women's league titles while in charge of Pipeline.

"It was about the money," confessed Munala, who also won another league title with KCB back in 2008.

"They (KCB) gave me more compared to what Pipeline were offering. I also needed a change to refresh myself and kind of start afresh."

Interestingly, Munala admitted that KCB has been courting him for the last six months, but refused to admit this was the reason Pipeline finished a lowly third position - by their own standards - in the league this season, behind champions and Prisons and, you guessed it, KCB.

"We have had issues at Pipeline this season and the players were not quite motivated ahead of the playoffs. That said, they have good players and with a good coach I expect them to be strong next year."

Commenting on Munala's capture, KCB volleyball team patron Sidi Odhiambo said the changes are aimed at bringing fresh impetus to the squad ahead of a grueling season where the Bankers will also compete at the 2019 Africa Volleyball Championship.

She said: "We are delighted to have Munala back at KCB. We are hoping to tap his expertise style, and philosophy in volleyball to take the team to the next level in the local, regional and continental competitions."

Besides Munala, KCB have also lured Violet Makuto, Noel Murambi, Leonida Kasaya, Jemima Siangu, Chrispin Njambi, Veronica Kilabat and Truphosa Chepkemei.