Chris Musumba
7 May 2008
Nairobi — Triumphant Kenya Prisons women's volleyball team returned to a heroines' welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Tuesday after being crowned African club champions in Cairo on Sunday.
Top officers from the Kenya Prisons Service and the ministry of sports were on hand to receive the team early Tuesday morning. The wardresses were treated to a sumptuous breakfast at the airport's Simba Restaurant, accompanied by traditional dancers.
The Kenyan league champions won the continental title despite taking part in it for the first time, overcoming more illustrious opposition like hosts Al Ahly, Maloudia of Algeria and compatriots Kenya Commercial Bank. Prisons defeated Maloudia in the final, while KCB overcame Al Ahly to take the bronze medal. KCB, coached by Paul Bitok, also arrived home Tuesday. The Commissioner of Prisons, Gilbert Omondi, who led the reception team, praised the players, saying they had moved from underdog status to champions only two years since the clubs was formed.
"It is a great occasion for the Prisons department that you would be able to conquer the continent and put us on the Africa map, a feat that had for long been a reservation of track athletes," said Bitok. Prisons coach David Lung'aho said the players had soaked up pressure and deserved the victory. The wardresses knocked out KCB 3-2 in the semi-final. "Once we beat KCB, it was a game of wits for us. We had shown our strength and beaten one of the best teams in the competition. It was easier for the players in the finals against Algeria's Mouloudia," said Lung'aho.
Confirmation
Four players were recruited to the team, and the Commission of Prisons said they would be employed immediately. The four are youngsters Jane Jepkemoi, Faridah Efumbi, Elizabeth Wafula and Joan Chelegat.
Vice president Kalonzo Musyoka gave the team Sh100,000 from the Home Affairs ministry and an additional personal donation of Sh50,000, with sports minister Helen Sambili giving another Sh100,000. Nairobi Sports House handed the players gift vouchers worth Sh60,000.
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