Kenya Cup Semifinals See No Upsets as KCB, Prisons, DCI Advance
Kenya's premier women's volleyball clubs asserted their dominance on Saturday, securing their berths in the semi-finals of the Kenya Volleyball Federation's (KVF) inaugural Kenya Cup at Nyayo Gymnasium. This set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament and confirmed their participation in the upcoming 2026 Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone Five Club Championship, which Kenya is slated to host at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Former League champions KCB Bank, Kenya Prisons, and National Women's League silver medallists Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) all triumphed in their respective quarter-final matches. They now join newly crowned league champions Kenya Pipeline, who had already secured a bye directly into the last four, completing the quartet of formidable teams vying for the Kenya Cup.
Kenya Prisons, keen on redemption following a fourth-place finish in the recent league, were the first to take the court. They faced Kenya Army and demonstrated their clear superiority, sweeping aside the servicewomen in a decisive straight-sets victory with scores of 25-12, 25-15, and 25-15. Coach Josp Barasa's tactical adjustments proved effective, as the wardresses showcased significant improvement in areas they had struggled with during the league play-offs, outplaying Kenya Army comprehensively in all facets of the game.
In a battle of the bankers, KCB Bank emerged victorious over Postbank in straight sets. KCB, who earned bronze in the league after being ousted in the semi-finals, found little resistance, easily claiming the first set 25-15. Coach Japheth Munala's squad maintained their high level of play, taking a 2-0 lead. Although Postbank mounted some resistance in the third set, leading to an evenly contested exchange of points, KCB's experience shone through, allowing them to close out the set 25-23 and secure their semi-final spot.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), enjoying a highly successful season since their establishment in 2018, rallied impressively from a set down against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). After KDF took the first set 25-22, DCI regrouped to win the second set 25-23, boosting their confidence. They then dominated the subsequent sets with scores of 25-10 and 25-15, ultimately winning the match 3-1. DCI had previously shocked Kenya Prisons in the National League playoffs before falling to Kenya Pipeline in the final to claim silver, highlighting their strong performance this season.
The semi-final and final play-offs for the women's tournament are scheduled for the following weekend. Meanwhile, the men's teams are also set to compete, with Kenya Prisons, who lost their league title, seeking to reclaim their form. General Service Unit (GSU), the reigning men's trophy winners, along with finalists Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Bank, are noted as the top contenders for the men's title.