As the 2024-2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League kicked off yesterday at Kamukunji Grounds, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Volleyball Club announced a revamped lineup, featuring new players and leadership for the season.

With a new head coach, team captain as well as four promising player signings, KPC is setting its sights on a top finish this season.

The club has appointed Geoffrey Omondi as the new head coach, taking over from Esther Jepkosgei, who served as acting head coach since the beginning of the year.

Gladys Ekaru will assume the role of team captain following the retirement of former captain Rose Mugoi, a stalwart leader who made significant contributions during her time at the club.

KPC has also bolstered its lineup with four new signings.

Middle blocker Elizabeth Mariam Musa joins from KCB Club, having represented Kenya in the 2024 Paris Olympics and been called up for the national team trials.

Alongside Mariam are Marian Sokoiyo, an outside hitter; Violet Makuto, who plays both middle and opposite blocker; and Noel Marambi, an outside hitter.

Makuto and Marambi previously played for KPC and had professional stints in Dubai before returning home.

Speaking on the team’s preparations, coach Omondi expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness for the new season noting, “The team has been training intensely over the past few months, and I am impressed by the determination and commitment shown by both the seasoned players and the new signings. We have mainly focused on strengthening our defense and refining our offensive strategies. With the talent and work ethic I have seen, I’m optimistic that the team will build on last season’s success and perform better this season.”

Captain Glady Ekaru similarly remarked: “It is an honor to lead such a dedicated team that I have been part of for a couple of years now. The new players have seamlessly integrated into the team, and their presence has already elevated our training sessions. We are all motivated to surpass last season’s achievements and compete at the highest level. I am excited about what the future holds.”

In the 2023-2024 KVF season, KPC finished in third place, and with the combination of a new coach, strong captain and recent signings, the club’s leadership is confident that the team will position itself as a top contender in the league.