DCI sweep A Plus as Namisi stars in Kenya Cup opener

DCI outside hitter Sarah Namisi / HANDOUT 

DCI outside hitter Sarah Namisi led from the front as her side stamped authority with a commanding straight-sets victory over A Plus Motors VC in the Kenya Cup second edition at Nyayo Indoor Arena.

DCI swept their opponents 3–0 (25–12, 25–18, 25–13), with Namisi’s explosive attacks and consistency earning her the Most Valuable Player award. She said the result sets the tone for their campaign as they shift focus to maintaining intensity heading into the knockout phase. “We came in focused on starting strong and playing our game, and I’m happy we executed well as a team,” said Namisi.

She noted that the win reflects growing chemistry within the squad but stressed the need for discipline and improved transitions as competition stiffens. DCI are targeting a quarterfinal berth before pushing for a podium finish.

Meanwhile, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club have intensified preparations ahead of their Kenya Cup campaign, which got underway at Nyayo Indoor Arena.

Head coach Japheth Munala said the team is in top shape ahead of their Saturday clash against Nairobi Prisons, as well as the African Club Championship set for April 7–25, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt.

“We’ve had intense training sessions, and so far, so good. We are in good shape, with no major fitness concerns apart from Mwende, who injured her knee this week,” Munala said.

Munala is confident the defending champions will secure victory as he looks to assess both his first team and fringe players. “We are going for a win because we want to qualify for the semis. It’s also a good opportunity to test the fitness levels across the squad,” he added.

The former Malkia Strikers tactician said the team has focused on improving back-court defence and reception, previously their weak points.

“We have worked on our back-court and net defence. If we replicate our performance against DCI, then we are on the right track,” he noted.

KCB will be without captain Edith Wisa, who is on maternity leave, while Magdaline Mwende has been ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Munala will now rely on Belinda Barasa, Elizabeth Sokoiyo, Pauline Chemtai, Sharon Serem and new signing Mildred Cherop to step up.