By Pura Vida Correspondent

Multiple Kenya and Africa champions Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club will be banking on a change of guard on the club’s technical bench to continue their dominance in the domestic front.

The club has named a new coach and captain as they launch their 2024-2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League at Nyeri’s Kamukunji Grounds this weekend.

The club has appointed Geoffrey Omondi to take over as the new head coach from Esther Jepkosgei who has been acting since the beginning of the year.

Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club Chairman Paul Njuguna (left) welcomes the new Head Coach, Geoffrey Omondi (right), during a ceremony held at KPC Headquarters in Nairobi. 

Alongside this change, the club has named Gladys Ekaru as the new captain, stepping into the role following the retirement of former captain Rose Magoi, a stalwart leader who made significant contributions during her time with the club.

Additionally, KPC has bolstered its lineup with the signing of four new players - Elizabeth Mariam Musa (Middle Blocker/Center Player), Marian Sokoiyo (Outside Hitter / Left Attacker), Violet Makuto (Middle/ Opposite Blocker) and Noel Murambi (Outside Hitter/ Left Attacker).

Musa previously played for KCB Club and was part of the national team that represented Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Sokoiyo is also a very promising player having been called up for the national team trials.

Makuto and Murambi previously played for KPC and had a stint as professional players in Dubai before coming back home.

Gladys Ekaru (right) ushered in as the new captain by fellow Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club team members

Coach Omondi expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness for the new season: "The team has been training intensely over the past few months, and I am impressed by the determination and commitment shown by both the seasoned players and the new signings.

“We have mainly focused on strengthening our defense and refining our offensive strategies. With the talent and work ethic I have seen, I’m optimistic that the team will build on last season’s success and perform better this season.

"We have a clear goal this season, to finish at the top. With the right mindset, disciplined training, and the support of our fan base, we believe we can achieve that."

Captain Ekaru echoed the coach’s sentiments, adding that the new players bring additional depth and versatility to the squad.

"It is an honor to lead such a dedicated team that I have been part of for a couple of years now. The new players have seamlessly integrated into the team, and their presence has already elevated our training sessions. We are all motivated to surpass last season’s achievements and compete at the highest level. I am excited about what the future holds."

KPC Volleyball Club finished in third place in the 2023-2024 KVF season.

The club’s leadership is confident that the combination of a new coach, a strong captain, and the latest signings will position them as top contenders for the title in the upcoming league.

 (IMG)