The Pipeline too tight as Munala exit imminent

Coach Japheth Munala has confirmed he is in advanced talks with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) over a deal, plunging his future with Kenya Pipeline in the dark.

Munala said his return to KCB was ‘inevitable’, affirming persistent rumours the Bankers have been courting him over the last two months.

Munala who doubles up as the national volleyball women’s head coach left KCB in 2012 for Kenya Pipeline where won five straight Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) titles between 2013 and 2017.

Munala and Pipeline saw their stranglehold of the domestic title broken this year after they relinquished it to arch-rivals Kenya Prisons on Monday.

“We are in talks with KCB and the way I see things, I can confirm to you that the deal will be agreed before December 15. I think the bankers have a good project and I am ready to go back,” Munala said.

His first stint at KCB came between 2006 and 2011 were he guided them to winning their first ever African Club championship title in 2006 and KVF league in 2008.

With the new deal all but done, Munala says he is eyeing a good run next year with his new side after the bankers masterminded one of the most remarkable comebacks in Kenyan volleyball history to storm through to Africa Club Championship.

The Africa returnees thumped Pipeline 3-2 and Bungoma County 3-0 to end the 2018 season with 5 points behind champions Kenya Prisons. The bankers return to the continental scene after a 6-year absence.

“KCB has been playing a second fiddle to both Pipeline and Prisons in the local league and my aim will be to win next year’s women league and also help them announce their return in the Africa scene,” added Munala.

At the same time, Pipeline is also expected to feel the double pinch with exodus of players also set to be experienced before January with KCB said to be their destination.

The top guns who are rumored to be on their way from club are vice-captain Noelle Murambi, left attacker Violet Makuto, Leonida Kasaya, Truphosa Chepkemei, Veronica Tanui ,Jemima Siangu and Christine Njambi.

Pipeline finished third after the three-day round robin playoffs thus missing the Africa Club championship slot for the first time in a decade.