Champions GSU face Mombasa, KDF test in weekend action

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league champions General Service Unit (GSU) will be looking to continue their winning ways in their quest to continue dominance in the local league. 

The Gideon Tarus-coached side are in training at the Nyayo Indoor Arena in preparation for two matches against Prisons Mombasa and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). 

While the champions might have an easier match against the Mombasa wardens, it is expected to be a clash of titans against the military side if their last season's playoff encounter is anything to go by. 

In an edge-of -the seat encounter at the Makande Social Hall, the two sides gave the playoffs a befitting throw off, engaging in a five-set thriller on the first day that was eventually won by Tarus' charges. 

And as if to level the playing ground more, GSU will be without three key players in Simon Kipkorir, Brian Melly and Kelvin Omuse who have left the holder for professional deals, but for Omuse who joined military and is away in training school.

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"We are ready for anything both teams will throw at us. I am not underating any team even though the fans are more interested in the match against KDF.

Our last ywo encounters, in the playoffs and at Kapsabet where we met in the tournament matches, we have played for a five-set win but I am hoping not to let it get to five sets on Sunday. If we can play a fast match then we will be able to kill the game off early," said Tarus whose side won their two league-opening matches against Prisons Central and Prisons Rift Valley.

He continued, "My team is still strong despite the exit of the three players. I have the depth to cover for their absence. The only department that could be shall is the setting department but I believe those tasked with doing duty in the two matches will be up to the challenge."

KDF under the tutelage of former Kenya International and national team trainer Elisha Aliwa boast a mix of youth and experience in their ranks and could pose a threat to the title holders.

In other matches, title-hopefuls Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have a date with newbies Prisons Nyanza on Saturday before facing off with Kenya Army. 

Former champions who are on a mission to dethrone GSU, Prisons Kenya, take on debutants Prisons Central and Trailblazers on Saturday and Sunday respectively. 

Eight matches will be played on Saturday with three playing surfaces in use. Some teams will use the Indoor Arena at Nyayo with the volleyball and handball outdoor courts also in use. On Sunday, the volleyball and handball courts will be used as basketball takes centre stage at the indoor arena. 

Saturday 

KPA vs Prisons Nyanza

Kenya Army vs AP Kenya 

Prisons Central vs Prisons Kenya 

Trailblazers vs Equity Bank 

Prisons Nairobi vs Prisons Western 

Prisons Mombasa vs GSU 

KDF vs KFS 

Vihiga County vs Prisons Rift Valley 

Sunday 

Prisons Nyanza vs Prisons Rift Valley 

KFS vs Vihiga County 

GSU vs KDF Prisons

Western vs Prisons Mombasa 

Equity Bank vs Prisons Nairobi 

Prisons Kenya vs Trailblazers 

AP Kenya vs Prisons Central 

KPA vs Kenya Army