Aliwa outlines season’s targets as KVF men’s league gets underway

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men’s league side Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) head coach Elisha Aliwa says the team’s first target will be qualifying for the playoff as the league gets underway this weekend.

The military side missed out on the top four last season, relegating their position to newcomers Trailblazers, but the former Kenya international believes he has the squad and depth to get the job done.

On the weekend, Aliwa led the side to victory at the inaugural Eldoret City Marathon, an achievement he terms a great motivation to his relatively young side.

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“I managed to field my new players and seeing them deliver against some experienced players is a good sign.

This also helped me try out different combinations ahead of the new season. The competitiveness in the team has heightened with this tournament and that is a good place to be as a team,’ offered Aliwa.

KDF have enlisted the services of three youngsters who join for the 2022/23 season and to the team’s depth. Outside hitters Collins Muya signed from Nairobi school games champions Ruthimitu and Moses Macharia brought in from Kenya Navy having played for a school in Lamu as well as Lelmokwo’s Mark Cheruiyot who will be deployed in the center position, add to the team’s personnel.

Also making a return is Kelly Omuse who crossed over from champions General Service Unit (GSU) but missed last season’s action due to military training.

“All three newcomers were training with us last season but did not get a chance to feature. This will be their debut and we expect them to settle well in the top tier league going by their performance on the weekend. Omuse’s return is also highly welcome as he brings experience and confidence in the squad.

Playing a team as experienced as Prisons Kenya in the final this weekend was good for the new players. Prisons had new players for their tournament as well but their previous achievements alone could affect some players’ performance. However, that did not happen for us so it is a good place to start the season,” Aliwa added.

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The military side open the season away in Mosoriot against Equity Bank, a side that subjected Aliwa’s men to a 3-2 defeat last season.

“Equity are a good side so this is no easy task. We will have to be at our best to compete with them. I am, however, confident with my team’s abilities,” the tactician offered.