KCB's opposite hitter Terry Tata/ HANDOUTKCB Women’s Volleyball Club face a major rebuilding exercise ahead of the new season after reportedly losing five key players, four of them to archrivals Kenya Pipeline.
The bankers have reportedly lost middle blockers Pauline Chemtai and Sharon Serem, libero Josephine Kataa and outside hitter Faith Sakong to Pipeline, while opposite hitter Terry Tata is reported to have moved to Turkey.
The departures could complicate KCB’s quest to reclaim domestic honours from the reigning champions, who have repeatedly frustrated their title ambitions. KCB finished runners-up in the 2026 Mozzart Kenya Cup after losing 3-2 to Pipeline in a five-set final at Kasarani Indoor Arena in July.
The bankers won the opening set 25-21 and recovered to take the fourth 25-23, but Pipeline prevailed 15-11 in the deciding set to reclaim the title. The result underlined the narrow margins separating the two sides, but losing several experienced players to their fiercest rivals could widen the gap.
Tata’s reported departure is particularly significant. The opposite hitter featured for the Malkia Strikers at the 2026 African Women’s Nations Championship, where Kenya finished second behind Egypt.
Her attacking contribution could be difficult to replace, while the reported exits of Chemtai and Serem would leave KCB needing to reinforce their middle-blocking department.
Kataa’s departure would create another gap in defence, with the libero playing a crucial role in serve reception and digging opposition attacks.
Sakong’s reported move would also reduce the bankers’ options on the wings, where players must contribute both in attack and defence. KCB’s recent continental campaigns underline their ability to compete at the highest level.
However, sustaining that competitiveness will require effective recruitment and a smooth transition if the transfers are completed. Coach Japheth Munala and his technical bench must now assess whether the remaining squad can absorb the losses or whether reinforcements are needed.
The reported transfers could strengthen Pipeline’s title defence while leaving KCB with considerable work to do. However, the full impact will depend on the confirmation of the departures, the quality of replacements recruited and how quickly the reshaped squad settles ahead of the new campaign.
Coach Munala said there was no cause for alarm because transfers are inevitable/. "Players always move from one club to the other. It happened to us before and it has happened to us again. It's a challenge, but it doesn't mean we aere paid by the bank to sleep.
