Battle of egos as KDF plot GSU arrest in KVF playoffs

Battle of egos as KDF plot GSU arrest in KVF playoffs

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are determined to seize the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league men’s title from defending champions General Service Unit (GSU), when the regular national league hits climax November 22 to 24 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The soldiers have not won the title for over a decade, with GSU who will be eyeing their third consecutive KVF success and 14th in total during the weekend’s playoffs dominating the local scene.

However, KDF Team Manager Alfred Chedotum is banking on good preparations to stop the paramilitary dominance at the three-day extravaganza.

The Pius Birech coached soldiers will launch their title hunt Friday 2pm against GSU in a potentially-explosive opener and Chedotum has urged his charges to come out in full strength if they plot to ‘disarm’ the Gideon Tarus coached GSU.

“The team is in good shape and I believe this is the best time to snatch the title from our rivals. We want to end the jinx of finishing third every year and GSU being the first team in our fixtures it is very important to get all the three points,” he underscored.

On his side, Chedotum’s opposite number Nicholas Kimeli warned his rivals to brace themselves for a tough battle as GSU are not ready to relinquish their gong.

“It will be fireworks for the four teams fighting for the title but basing on our preparations we are raring to go and clinch a record-extending 14th success. We are aware of the threat other teams are posing but we are ready to defend our glory,” a bullish Kimeli observed.

In the playoffs organised in a round-robin format, KDF will subsequently play Kenya Prisons on Saturday 10am and wrap up the playoffs against fast-rising Mombasa based KPA.

At the same time, Chedotum has bemoaned the loss of first choice setter Joel Sato after he was enlisted for a military mission, a development which has forced the club to recall Elisha Aliwa.

Aliwa last featured for the soldiers during the first leg of the regular season in Kitale in March before being sent for further military training.

“It was a big blow because Sato has been an asset for the club but since he has to be available when needed for military duties, we will put our hopes to Aliwa,” he revealed.

Left attacker Leonida Kasaya  training at Nyayo stadium  during the final official training  at Nyayo Stadium ahead of the  KCB Kenya Volleyball Federation play offs . Looking on is Head Coach Japheth Munala. Photo by KCB Media.

Women’s contest

Meanwhile, KCB women’s team have stepped up their preparations ahead of the crunch playoffs where they will line up against champions Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and DCI to battle for the women’s honours.

The Japheth Munala coached team finished third last season behind winners Prisons and former champions Kenya Pipeline and they are leaving nothing to chance this weekend.

“All is set my players are ready to fight for the title we last won eight years ago. We have very experienced players who can punch our way to glory,” Munala told Citizen Digital.

The bankers will serve off the playoffs against DCI on Friday noon and subsequently clash with champions Kenya Prisons at 4pm on Saturday .They will face Kenya Pipeline in their final match on Sunday.

The top two teams in the men and ladies category will represent the country in next year’s African Club Championship slated to take place at the Al Ahyl stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

Tags:

KDF KVF KCB Japheth Munala Nicholas Kimeli GSU Kenya Prisons Kenya Pipeline DCI Alfred Chedotum

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