Defending Champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) women’s team kicked off the third leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league on a higher note, brushing aside Kenya Army by three straight sets in a one-sided encounter at Malaba stadium in Teso North, Busia County.
The bankers outsmarted their opponents 25-12 in the first set, 25-14 in the second set, and later 25-11 to crown their win.
Kenya Prison will be awarded three points after the sister team Nyanza Prison failed to honor the opening game.
In their second game, defending champions Kenya Prisons men’s team met their match in Trailblazers Club with the two settling for a two-all draw only for heavy rains to cut short the start of the fifth set.
Prisons won the first set 25-20 before Trailblazers bounced back to win 25-23 in the second set.
After the break, Prisons changed tact to win the third set 25-21 only to lose the fourth one 23-25.
In the women’s category, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) defeated Prisons 3-1 (28-26, 25-25, 20-25 and 11-25).
KPC head coach Esther Chepkosgei praised her girls for putting up a fighting spirit to enable them to see off Kenya Prisons women 3-1.
In the other men’s category, silver medalists at the All Africa Games in 2002 KDF won their fifth match after beating Western Prison 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-18). GSU also won their sixth match after beating Mt Kenya BSY 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-14).
KPA maintained their winning streak, beating KFS 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-21), GSU beat Kenya Army 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22) as Administration Police beat Western Prisons 3-1 (25-21, 25-23, 17-25, 25-11).
Equity Bank registered their fourth victory after beating Rift Valley Prisons 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-21). In their second game, KDF beat Equity 3-1 (18-25), 26-24, 26-24, 25-23).
“This season we are prepared to face any team. We are taking each game at a time with the main aim of being crown champions at the end of the season,” noted PKC coach Chepkosgei.
Kenya Prisons’ coach Joseph Baraza acknowledged the defeat from their opponents, saying they would bounce back strongly in tomorrow’s games.
“The game was good only that we lost the ‘script’ after the second set. I can say this is a competitive league and we will bounce back strongly,” said Baraza.
The organising Secretary KVF John Oronjo, said they anticipated a competitive event after the Mosoriot and Eldoret legs.
“As we gear up for the second day of the league, expect even more competitive encounters,” he said.
The league will be preceded by the Hon Arthur Odera Open Volleyball tournament that kicks off on Saturday.
The regional tournament will feature teams from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Speaking to the press earlier on, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera who doubled up as the event sponsor, an avid volleyball supporter and former player said they expected a full house attendance for the national league fixtures.
“I urge local players to showcase their talents well for their chance to be snatched by other local or international teams since there will be several scouts and coaches around to spot talent,” he said.
“We have a good pool of talent here at home and of particular interest is Malaba VC that we expect some of our players to cut the mark,” he added.
Some of the clubs from Uganda that have confirmed their participation include Bukedia Comprehensive Club and Amus College for both men and women as well as Tororo Buffalo Club.
Others include St Alloise Club and APR all from Rwanda.
Sportsmen and fans got the opportunity for a free medical camp organized by Busia county
Dr Paul Otuoma is expected to grace the event on the final day.
By Absalom Namwalo
