Pipeline tap into Kwanthanze for star quartet

Kenya Pipeline have added four Kwanthanze Secondary School graduates to their roster, beefing up the squad that got deposed as Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) champions last year.

Pipeline are already deprived of squad depth after former head coach Japheth Munala lured seven key players into joining him at KCB and are turning to the market for a reload ahead their title reclamation bid.

The Kwanthanze quartet of Betty Sifuna, Esther Mutinda, Gladys Ekaru and Metrine Wanjala signed with the former champions on Monday as the preparations for 2019 season intensified.

Kenya Prisons, who defeated Pipeline in last year’s playoff final, have often tapped into the Kwanthanze pool but have missed out on their targets this year with the school’s coach Justin Kigwari reveals he did not influence the quartet’s decision.

“Yes for a long time our players have been joining Prisons after school but again they can as well consider other clubs if they have tabled good deals and I presume Pipeline had a good deal for them as well as good project where they can grow. But I did not influence them to join Pipeline,” said Kigwari.

Apart from the fast-rising setter Mutinda, who is tipped to take over from seasoned national team setters Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja, the other three players were part of the national under-20 team that participated in the World Championship qualifier last year in Nairobi.

At the same time, promising national women’s volleyball team left attacker and Kenya Prisons star Sharon Chepchumba, is closing in on a switch to rivals Pipeline ahead of the new season.

Chepchumba who starred in her maiden appearance for Malkia Strikers last year during FIVB World Championship held in Japan, has not reported back to the Prisons camp that started training early this month ahead of busy year with KVF league and African Club Championship on cards.