Reflecting on the febrile atmosphere of Nyeri where Kenya Pipeline women’s team posted mixed fortunes in the National League and subsequent Nyeri Governor’s Cup, Olympian Trizah Atuka sounded quite optimistic of her team’s prospects in the new season.
But the Kenya national team captain and middle blocker cautioned her teammates against complacency, and urged them to uphold the fighting spirit and gusto to win matches.
–Mixed Fortunes–
Pipeline decimated Kenya Prisons 3-2 in the first leg of the KVF National League in Nyeri but the latter bounced back in blistering fashion to lift the coveted Governor Mwalimu Kahiga Cup with the same set ratio.
Asked about Pipeline’s court adversaries (Prisons), Atuka, a former Pipeline skipper, explained: “Of course, it feels nice and inspiring racking up a win against Prisons considering their status; not only in the National League events, but also on Africa soil. But that said, it’s still early days; but we have drawn a lot of positives from Nyeri, by and large.”
She added: “It goes without saying, that, those wins are sweet, but then again, it should keep us in check. Because we know our opponents will not be sleeping, they will definitely come hard at us; therefore, we also need to work on ourselves to maintain the momentum.
–Building Up Some Momentum–
Atuka, nevertheless, believes the team’s general performance in Nyeri is a sign of better things to come. Pipeline hope to win back the League title currently held by KCB.
“Definitely, we are on the right track and we need to build on the momentum. However, we will not allow the wins to enter our heads. We remain hopeful that the season will end well and that everything will work in our favor.”
Commenting on some of the key technical facets that pipeline has adopted after changes in their playing unit and technical bench, Atuka continued: “We have really improved on our speed and that played a crucial role in registering good performance in the League.”
She continued: “We are also mastering the art of jump service and we might not be there yet but it’s all coming together for the good of the team. We also need to improve on our coordination and once we get this right, then it will be all systems go. Overall, I think every department is putting in the work but we could do much better if we get the coordination on track especially upfront.”
On individual performance, Atuka explained: “In a team’s sport, there is no individual effort but a collective team’s input. Having said that, the centre position, libero and setting department really did well in Nyeri but opposite and outside hitting departments would have done better.”
Regarding the CAVB Africa Club Championship next year, Atuka sounded quite febrile, saying: “We have previously had competitive squad and next year will not be any different. It’s a mixture of experience and upcoming players and therefore we have the time to prepare and master our art. If we get everything right, then I believe we will ruffle feathers.”
MORE ABOUT ATUKA
Atuka and Commonwealth champion Ferdinand Omanyala were the flag bearers of Team Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Atuka and Omanyala were bestowed the honor of carrying the country’s flag in the momentous Reine River spectacle in the French Capital.
She bounced back from a career-threatening injury at the African Club Championship in Nabeul, Tunisia in May 2023 to chalk-up the “Best Middle Blocker” accolade with vim and vigor.
