Abuja, Nigeria – 6 April 2025 | As the curtains fell on the pool stages of the 2025 CAVB African Women’s Club Championship in Abuja, Nigeria, Kenya’s top volleyball clubs, Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline, and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), wrapped up their campaigns with spirited performances and varying fortunes.
Redemption As Kenya Prisons Rise Again
It wasn’t the perfect start for Kenya Prisons, who fell to reigning champions Zamalek SC in straight sets on Friday. But champions aren’t defined by how they fall they are defined by how they rise.
And rise they did.
With back-to-back wins over Spiking Stars of Botswana and clinical dispatching of Chief of Naval Staff (Nigeria) in their final Pool B clash, Prisons roared back into contention. With scores of 25-22, 25-09, and 25-16, they stamped their authority and booked a place in the Round of 16, where they’ll face Rwanda National Police.
Coach Josp Barasa now looks to steer the Queens deeper into the championship with renewed momentum as the group stage of the 2025 CAVB African Women’s Club Championship is behind them. Kenya Prisons Queens are shifting their focus to a crucial Round of 16 encounter against familiar East African rivals Rwanda National Police.
Speaking exclusively to Afrosports, Head Coach Josp Barasa acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and mindset.
“Yes, we are meeting Rwanda Police in the Round of 16. It’s a good team. I scouted them when they played Kenya Pipeline. I can’t underestimate them. We’ll approach the match with a lot of strategy,” said Barasa.
Kenya Prisons finished their group matches on a high, recovering from an early setback against Zamalek to claim convincing straight-set victories against Spiking Stars (Botswana) and Chief of Naval Staff (Nigeria).
As the team enters the elimination phase, Barasa is clear about the lessons taken from the group stage.
“I must take one game at a time. Knockout stages are very tricky, so my first lesson is to control every score,” he emphasized. “We’re working on our serves, blocks, attack, and generally improving our team system.”
Kenya Pipeline Marches On Unbeaten to the Knockouts
If there’s one word to describe Kenya Pipeline, it’s dominant.
They tore through Pool D unbeaten, with their final statement of intent coming in the form of a merciless sweep over Descartes (Ivory Coast): 25-10, 25-05, 25-15. That win followed earlier triumphs against Rwanda National Police and the Litto Team of Cameroon; both won in four sets.
Coach Geoffrey Omondi’s side looks sharp, efficient, and hungry for continental glory. Next up: a knockout duel with Spiking Stars (Botswana), who snuck into the last 16 as Pool B’s fourth-best side.
KCB’s Rollercoaster: From Cruise Control to Heartbreak
For KCB, the pool phase ended with a twist.
After cruising through their first two matches with a clean 3-0 win over La Loi (DRC) and Sococim (Senegal). The bankers looked poised for a smooth ride. But a five-set thriller against Al Ahly (Egypt) proved otherwise. Despite taking the first two sets, Coach Japheth Munala’s squad saw the match slip through their fingers:
25-19, 25-18, 21-25, 24-26, 08-15.
Though they narrowly lost, their performance left no doubt about their quality.
Round of 16 Showdowns
Kenya’s representatives are well-poised for a strong knockout campaign.
Kenya Prisons vs Rwanda National Police
Kenya Pipeline vs Spiking Stars (Botswana)
KCB vs Nigeria Customs
