We can go all the way - Atuka

What you need to know:

  • The Kenyan champions eased past hosts El Shams in straight sets of 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 in a thrilling contest at the packed Al Ahly Hall in Cairo on Tuesday night.
  • Pipeline return to the courts to face Uganda's Vision Club from 3pm on Thursday.

Buoyed by their opening day triumph over last year's finalists El Shams of Egypt, Kenya Pipeline captain Trizah Atuka is now backing the side to go all the way at the ongoing Women's Africa Club Championship in Cairo.

The Kenyan champions eased past hosts El Shams in straight sets of 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 in a thrilling contest at the packed Al Ahly Hall in Cairo on Tuesday night.

Pipeline return to the courts to face Uganda's Vision Club from 3pm on Thursday, an hour after Kenya Prisons - who were slated to face Nigeria's Customs Volleyball club in their opening fixture Wednesday night - square it out against Ivorian side Asec Mimosas at the same venue.

"Our expectation was to not only win but play well. In such a game, you have to be very careful," Atuka told Nation Sport, with reference to the game against El Shams.

"The good start is crucial for the confidence. It shows how serious we are and will help us go all the way."

Seeking his first ever continental title, Pipeline coach Japheth Munala started the El Shams game with his best available squad, consisting Atuka, veteran setter Janet Wanja, Monica Biama, Noel Murambi, Leonida Kasaya plus libero Agrippina Kundu.

Pipeline also have Cameroon's FAP and DGSP (Congo) to contend with in their group.

TOUGH OPPOSITION

At the same time, the North and West African clubs look likely to offer the biggest threat to the Kenyan contingent, judging by results posted on the opening day of this competition.

Record holders Al Ahly dispatched Uganda's Nkumba University 3-0 (25-7, 25-12, 25-16) with Ukrainian hitter Katenya Silchnokvwa scoring 12 points for the victors.

Also, Asec Mimosas of Cote d'Ivoire defeated Burkina Faso's Douanes 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21), while Nigeria Customs rebounded back from a set behind to secure a valuable victory over experienced INJS of Cameroon 3-1 (23-23, 25-23, 25-24, 25-21) in an all-West African affair.

FIXTURES (East African Time)

Thursday

2pm: Asec Mimosas v Kenya Prisons

3pm: Vision (Uganda) v Kenya Pipeline

4pm: DOUNAES (Cameroon) v INJS (Cameroon)

5pm: Harare City (Zimbabwe) v Bafia (Cameroon)

6pm: FAP (Cameroon) v Shams (Egypt)

7pm: BDF 6(Botswana) v Carthage (Tunisia)

8pm: Al Ahly (Egypt) v Rwanda Revenue Authority