Administration Police are winners of the 14th edition of Arthur Odera Volleyball tournament that came to a close at Malaba Stadium in Teso North Constituency, Busia County on Sunday.
The officers edged out Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU) 3-0 in a thrilling final of the ‘battle of law enforcers’ graced by Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma and his deputy and Arthur Odera, who is also the tournament’s sponsor.
The Administrators won the first set 25-22, followed by a 25-19 win before sinking their opponents 25-16 to land their inaugural trophy of the competition.
AP captain Kevin Koech said, “Indeed our opponents were equal to the task. For us this win is a sweet revenge after they humiliated us in the league. We are keen to build on this win for our next assignment in Bungoma,”.
On the flip side, KAPU captain Bernard Makuto said lack of concentration cost his team.
“We matched them in the first set narrowly losing with three points. However, poor team work and blocks cost us dearly in the final two sets,”.
In the colleges and university category, Strathmore dominated proceedings to lift both the men and women gongs.
Their men silenced Masinde Muliro 3:0 (25:14,25:21,26:24) to emerge champions, while their counterparts edged out Kisiwa 3-2 (23:25,25:23,25:14,23:25,12:
In the secondary schools’ category, Malava Boys exited Namwela 3-1 (25:23,25:18,26:28,25:18) while Mwitoti were felled 3-0 by Kesegon (16:25,10:25,9:25).
Bishop Muge A won the Junior Secondary Schools category against their brothers Bishop Muge B, while their girls edged out Moss academy.
Javid defeated Busia Divas to lift the Self-Support Women Trophy, while ASOB (Army Special Operation Brigade) took the winners gong against Kakamega Kings in the men category.
Governor Otuoma lauded his assistant for sponsoring the event that not only focused on nurturing talent but also spearheaded a blood donation campaign and Social Health Authority registration.
“My administration will be soon overseeing the ground breaking for rehabilitation of Malaba stadium once the County Assembly approves the Supplementary budget next month,” he said.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Deputy President Paul Bitok affirmed that coaches and scouts have already identified a pool of talent who will be joining senior teams soon.
“Our apologies to our fans who expected the likes of KCB, Kenya Pipeline, KPA and GSU who are heading to Libya for African Championship and women teams that will be heading to Nigeria for similar assignment. We promise a full packed event next year,” said Bitok.
Teams now prepare for the next leg of Dan Wanyama tournament that will be held in Bungoma.
Before the finals, Mr Bitok led a one-minute silence in respect of referee Valentine Mukhwana who passed on Monday morning at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret.
By Absalom Namwalo
