Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Men’s Volleyball team has been lauded for clinching fifth position in the just concluded African Club Championship in Tunisia.
Acting KPA Managing Director Eng. Rashid Salim said the Authority was proud of the team for finishing in a respectable fifth position during the tournament that saw participation of 16 strong teams.
“I must commend the team for putting up a spirited fight despite participating in the continental competition for the first time,” said Eng. Salim on Monday.
Esperance of Tunisia won this year’s tournament after defeating defending champions Zamalek of Egypt 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-10) in the final last week played at Sidi Bousaid Hall in Tunis.
KPA captured the fifth position in her maiden appearance after edging fellow ports-men from Port Douala (PAD) from Cameroon 3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19) during the match played at Zouaoui indoor arena.
The team played a total of six matches, winning four and losing two. KPA first beat APR (Rwanda) 3-2 before losing to the eventual champions Esperance 3-0.
The Dockers went ahead to defeat Rukinzo of Rwanda 3-0 but lost by a similar margin to defending champions and this year’s finalist Zamalek of Egypt
Kenya was also represented by the local champions General Service Unit (GSU).
“We thank the team for flying Kenyan flag high during the games and upholding discipline in the entire tournament,” said Eng. Salim.
He commended both the players and technical staff for the performance and challenged them to apply similar efforts and vigour at their respective places of work so as to enhance productivity levels.
The team arrived back in the country over the weekend on a Qatar Airways from Tunis after a stopover at Doha in Qatar.
By Mohamed Hassan
