Lungáho, who was in charge when Prisons won Kenya’s last title back in 2013 in Mauritius, singled out sports academies as the vital tool Kenya’s opponents are using to widen the gap. Since Prisons’ four-year dominance was ended by Algier of Algeria in 2014, North African teams have not relinquished the title with record-champions Al Ahly SC bagging four times and Friday’s finalist Carthage once. Lungáho however believes Kenyan teams gave a good account of themselves despite sending second string teams as their top stars are with the national women’s volleyball team currently training under a bio-secure bubble at Kasarani for the Olympic Games. Poignantly, Kenya will have to wait for one more year to launch another attempt at ending the jinx at the men’s version after representatives GSU and KPA also crumbled against their North African opponents. Hosts Esparence defeated Zamalek of Egypt 3-0 sets to lift their fifth African title.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 29, 2021 13:30 UTC