Fifteen-time men’s champions, General Service Unit (GSU), ended the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League that ended at Malaba Stadium in Busia County today with an unbeaten record from four matches.
GSU saw their five-year dominance come to a sudden halt in the playoffs last October when they were beaten 3-0 by Kenya Ports Authority. The victory by the Dockers was not enough to claim the top finish but helped Kenya Prisons win the league for the first time since 2016.
The paramilitary side ensured they top the log at the expense of early pacesetters Trailblazers who had mixed fortunes in the two-day event ahead of the Arthur Odera open tournament that throws off at the same venue on Saturday with the curtain coming down on Sunday.
Trailblazers saw their unbeaten run come to an end when they lost to Administration Police Kenya in straight sets. Blazers survived Kenya Prisons late rally on Thursday that ended 2-2 but had to be replayed today owing to heavy rains that rendered the ground unplayable. Trailblazers won the replay in straight sets.
In their third match, trailblazers, under the tutelage of Geoffrey Omondi, secured a commanding victory, defeating Prisons Nairobi in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14). However, GSU condemned them to a second defeat with a 3-0 victory to return home with four victories and nine in total.
In the men’s matches played today, Kenya Prisons emerged victorious, beating AP Kenya 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-21). KFS beat Base Yetu 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-17). KDF upset league runners-up KPA in a thrilling 5-setter, winning 3-2 (24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 24-26, 15-13).
KDF maintained their smooth run registering earlier a 3-0 victory over Western and a similar score over Equity Bank.
In the women’s category, Kenya Prisons beat Postbank 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-16). DCI edged KDF 3-2 (25-13, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 15-9). They then went ahead to edge KPA 3-2 (26-24, 17-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-13).
Defending champions KCB secured a 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-14, 25-17) victory over Nairobi Prisons.
After the league, all eyes are now set for the 15th edition of the Arthur Odera Open tournament which has attracted over 50 teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, will start off at Malaba Stadium on Saturday with over 50 teams having confirmed participation.
Teams from Uganda that have already confirmed participation include Bukedia Comprehensive Club, Amus Colleagues for both men and women and Tororo Buffalo Club. Rwanda is sending APR VC and St Alloise Club.
They will be joined by 16 clubs that are participating in the KVF men’s league and 12 for ladies. Local clubs expected include Malaba VC the names of clubs participating from Tanzania had not been disclosed. The draw will be conducted tomorrow morning after all expected teams arrive.
In the school categories, Kesogoni girls will revive their rival against Mwitoto and Lugulu girls when they lock horns at the school level.
By Absalom Namwalo
