Prisons Coach Lungaho eyes Pipeline quarters scalp

The Kenya Prisons Head Coach David Lung’aho believes his squad has the edge over archrivals Pipeline as they prepare for an all-Kenyan quarter-finals of the volleyball women’s Africa Club Championship in Monastir, Tunisia.

The two sides who have racked up a total of 12 continental crowns between them secured the remaining two quarters slots on Tuesday and clash on Thursday evening for what promises to be a titanic battle.

Prisons beat University of Zimbabwe three sets to nil while Pipeline remained unbeaten in pool C after seeing off Bafia of Cameroon 3-0.

Lung’aho warned what lays ahead is a close contest likely to be won on tactics and experience but backed his side to sail through to Friday’s semifinals.

“We believe it’s going to be a tough match because we have been rivals all through. The team is in high spirits and our goal remains to win the title. For now we have to pass through this hurdle,” Lung’aho told Chamgei FM.

He maintained the desire to clinch the championship on Sunday and bring the title home is shared.

“I want to believe in the players I have that they can produce good results. They have come so far and keep improving every day. We are now at our best and the player should give their best performance and at the end of the day if they win then will be looking for nothing short of the trophy,” Lung’aho added.

Four years since lifting their last continental crown, Prisons will be looking to claim their eighth while Pipeline who last won it in 2005 can dare dream of a reunion.

“There are no injuries and everyone looks fit for the game. We have ample time for training to rectify a few mistakes and then tomorrow we will be ready for the match,” Lung’ao assured.

The last time the two sides met was last year in November during the national playoffs where Pipeline beat Prisons 3-1 to bag the national trophy.

QUARTERS FIXTURES (Kenyan time)

Kenya Prisons v Kenya Pipeline (2pm)

Al Ahly (Egypt) v GSP (Algeria) (4pm)

Shams (Egypt) v INJIS (Cameroon) ((6pm)

Carthage (Tunisia) v Sfaxien (Tunisia) (8pm)

-Additional reporting by the Carol Kones.