KDF refuse to play second fiddle to GSU, Prisons as playoffs beckon

The soldiers have played second fiddle to Kenya Prisons and GSU—with the two giants exchanging the title for over two decades, but Chimanyi believes they have the tools to upset the form book at this year’s playoffs set for next month.

GSU have won record 14 league titles while current champions Kenya Prisons have clinched back to back victories in 2023 and 2024 with KDF falling short in their bid to claim their maiden league title despite their ever-present tag in the playoffs.

Chimanyi has however expressed confidence in the team’s progress following their 3-1 victory over Kenya Army in the final leg of the regular season at Nyayo Gymnasium last weekend.

“This season, we have been improving. If you look at last season, when we played against Kenya Army, we could barely manage a point or even suffered defeats. But at least this season, we are putting things right,” underscored Chimanyi.

“The team is good, but we need to improve our serving. Once we perfect that, we will be able to compete favorably, and I believe we will deliver in the upcoming matches.”

KDF’s fourth-place finish in the regular season with 31 points secured them a spot in the highly competitive playoffs, where the top eight teams will battle for the title from the quarter finals stage.

The teams that have advanced include reigning champions Kenya Prisons, former champions General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Trailblazers, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Administrative Police Unit (KAPU).

KDF will launch another bid for a topflight title against Equity Bank on May 9.

In the other quarter finals line up, Kenya Prisons will play Kenya Forest Service (KFS), GSU have a date with KAPU while the other last eight clash will see KPA take on TrailBlazers.