The game of sports just like politics is a dirty one and the most unpredictable one. For most coaches and players, they tend to go where the grass is greener.
Kenya Pipeline has today been ditched after National team Head Coach Japheth Munala officially made a return to the Kenya Commercial Bank volleyball team saying that the bankers tabled him a better offer compared to his immediate former employers.
“I made the decision because of the welfare terms offered by KCB. When I left here in 2011, that was not the case but they have improved a lot over that period. I also felt that I have overstayed at Pipeline and I needed a change; a new challenge,” said Coach Munala.
Although Munala had been rumoured to be headed to KCB, the team made the official appointment this afternoon.
Munala worked at KCB as assistant coach from 2007 to 2008 when he was elevated to the top position leading the bankers to the title that year. He also went on to lead them to a third place finish in the CAVB Club Championship.
He then left for Pipeline in 2011 where he stayed until his reappointment today.
In joining KCB, Munala is joined by four key players from pipeline in assistant captain Noelle Muirambi, left attacker Violet Makuto, Leonida Kasaya and Truphosa Chepkemei.
However, Munala said it was not his wish to drag players from the Kenya Pipeline team.
“I did not want to leave with any of their players and this is a decision they made independently. They are quality players who will add a lot of strength and depth and their experience will be vital for KCB. I will look to add some few more players; one experienced and some others from school to ensure we have a plan for the future,” he said.
KCB volleyball team patron Judith Sidi Odhiambo confirmed Munala’s appointment saying that all rounded changes are expected to bring fresh impetus to the squad ahead of next year’s competitions, especially the Club Championship set for next July.
“We are delighted to have Munala back at KCB. We are hoping to tap his expertise, style, and philosophy in volleyball to take the team to the next level in local, regional and continental competitions”, said Odhiambo who is also the KCB Group Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs.
Munala, will be assisted by David Kinga while current national women’s rugby sevens captain Philadelphia Olando will serve as the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
Do you believe that the players from Kenya Pipeline left voluntarily or they were poached?