Cocky Blazers target men's KVF title as second leg beckons

Trailblazers Volleyball Club has sent a strong warning to their rivals as they gear up for the second leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men’s top-tier league.

After a scintillating start to the season, the Trailblazers are determined to cement their position among the league's top contenders. By staging a strong start to the second leg set to be held from November 29 to December 1 at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums in Nairobi,

Head coach Moses Emopusi Epoloto remains confident in his team’s readiness despite earlier challenges.

Reflecting on their performance during the first leg in Nyeri, Epoloto acknowledged some struggles, particularly with serving, but emphasized the team’s intent of ironing out the nagging issues.

“We have decided that opponents will sweat to get their points from us. Of course, in Nyeri, we had problems with our serving, but we have been working on it because, for now, we are in a new environment.

“We have been practicing in our indoor arena, thus we are not affected by the wind, the sun, and other outdoor factors,” he said.

Epoloto also called for a more competitive league structure, pointing out the disparity in match frequency compared to other leagues.

“In our league, we play very few matches, and in some other leagues, you play like 40 matches before you win the league. We need to emulate that.”

The Trailblazers currently sit in third place with six points after three games, trailing defending champions Kenya Prisons, who lead with 11 points, and second-placed KPA, also on six points but with a superior set difference.

The Blazers are targeting the playoffs and harbor hopes of clinching the championship this season.

Team libero James Mutero highlighted the squad’s transitional phase, having integrated six new players this season.

Despite being relatively new, the team has shown promise, securing six points out of a possible nine in the first leg.

“We are kind of in a transitional phase because we have new players; we added six players.

“So it’s relatively a new team that is trying to gel, and there is a lot of hope and positivity from the new players.

“They are blending so well. In our first games of the league, we managed to get six points out of a possible nine, which is not bad considering we are relatively a new squad.

“But we soldier on, hoping to collect maximum points in the second leg,” said Mutero.

With a blend of experience, fresh talent, and a renewed focus, the Trailblazers are confident of making a statement in the upcoming matches.