Heavy weights Kenya Prisons, Equity Bank and Nairobi Prisons (w) on Saturday kicked off the Arthur Odera Open Volleyball tournament with crucial wins to stamp their authority in the competition ongoing at the Malaba stadium in Teso North Constituency.
Kenya Prisons smashed Kenya Administration Police Unit (KAPU) 3-0 (25-19, 25-13 25-16), the same results posted by the bankers who silenced Mt Kenya Base Yetu Club with three straight sets of 25-21, 25-21 25-15.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Prison women’s team deflated Post Bank 3-1 in another encounter winning the first set 25-19, topped it up with 25-23 before slumping to 22-25. However, they reclaimed their victory in the third set winning 25-11.
At court five, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) kicked of the tourney on a wrong footing after they were humbled with a 3-2 score line at the hands of Administration Police of Kenya (APK).
From the onset, the soldier’s tactics failed to yield desired results going down 25-20, 25-22 in the first two sets before recovering in the third set to post 25-22.
Stunned by the results, AP swiftly changed tact and won the fourth set 25-22. KDF’s 25-11 victory of the fifth set was not enough for a comeback as the damage done by their opponents was beyond control.
“This indeed was a tough match especially against an experienced side. I am glad our tactics worked and we will be keen to build on this results to ensure we land the trophy,” said Francis Nguma, the APs head coach.
His counterpart Elisha Aliwa, the KDF head coach, said defense lapse cost them crucial win but all was not over.
“It’s the results we didn’t expect but again this is volleyball. We are going to work on our mistake to ensure return to winning ways as quickly as possible,” he remarked.
In the school’s boy’s category, 2023 national champions Namwela High from Bungoma County saw off Cheptil from Nandi County 3-0 (25-22, 25-16,25-21) while Butula School silenced neighbors 3-1 (25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22) in local Butula derby.
In the girls’ category, other national champs Kesogon Girls from Trans Nzoia County brushed aside visiting Amus college from Uganda 2-0 (25-9, 25-18) while Lugulu Girls also from neighboring Bungoma defeated St Cecilia Alwar 3-0.
The sponsor of the tournament and Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera lauded the pool of talent taking part in this year’s edition of the tournament.
“I urge all players to showcase their best considering that we have a lot of scouts and coaches around to spot talent for their respective teams,” said the DG.
Kenya Volleyball Federation President Charles Nyaberi acknowledged the organization and talent exhibited by the teams in the tournament.
“I want to acknowledge DG Odera for organizing such tournament, it has help to showcase the level of talent in the western region,” noted Nyaberi the KVF president.
The tournament enters penultimate stage on Sunday.
By Absalom Namwalo
