GSU eye fifth consecutive KVF title

Coach Gideon Tarus and his General Service Unit (GSU) charges have been the team to beat in the last four Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league playoffs. 

As the 2021/22 league heads to the decider four-team playoffs on 22 to 24 July, the paramilitary side are looking to make it five titles in a row, but unlike in other season, the holders have been rattled and have their work cut out. 

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In the regular season, Tarus was shocked to a 3-0 defeat at the Nyayo Indoor Arena by an enterprising Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who have the years have been threatening the status quo but are now promising to go all the way. 

"I cannot remember the last time I lost a match by straight-sets. I am not sure it has happened before," said Tarus, albeit on a light note, after the dockers' defeat, served on a chilly Friday morning during the fifth of seven league legs. 

GSU regrouped and managed to win their remaining matches and in the end topped the standings at 40 points pipping KPA on set ratio. 

"I had to up my game after that defeat and the matches that followed were part of my preparations for the playoffs. 

The coordination of the players who were making a return to the team, with the rest of the squad was wanting but the final match of the season against Prisons Kenya proved that we had gotten better. 

The four team in the playoffs are tough and I know it will be no walk in the pack but I am going for the title," Tarus offered after the Prisons victory 

Former league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Abiud Chirchir admitted that KPA were the better side on all fronts in the 3-0 defeat but promised his side would come out stronger when the two sides meet in the playoffs. 

The holders will have the services of Chirchir, Simon Kipkorir and Brian Melly who have been away on professional deals for the better part of the season. 

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Presence of the three players has given GSU an edge and that was evidenced in the final match of the season when they took on Prisons.

However, Kipkorir admits that the playoffs are a different ball game and they will have to be at their best if they are to lift the title. 

"I have to head to the playoffs with several weapons for the kind of competition expected. We begin our training at Nyayo on Thursday after the short break. We will concentrate on perfecting our reception, without neglecting the other areas," Tarus said.