KDF push GSU to five sets in playoff opener

Elisha Aliwa's men Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) fought from two sets down to push Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) defending champions General Service Unit (GSU) to a five-set match as they fell 3-2.

The men's league playoff opener was a repeat of the 2021 edition with the score mirrored perfectly as well. The only difference is KDF took the 2-0 lead in Mombasa back in 2021 but at Kasarani, it was the holders who led by a similar margin. 

KCB labour past Prisons as Pipeline pick easy win

Powered by the sensational Moses Macharia, KDF came from two sets ( 25-21, 25-22) down to level the score at 2-2 with 25-22 and 26-24 performances and send the match to a decider set five. 

GSU took the lead at the changeover at 8-7 and their exeprience, as coach Aliwa would later admit, came in handy as they went on to win the set 15-11 to secure two points.

"My team's rhythm is still off. We stayed out of training and competition for long so coming back has been a hustle. We played two friendly matches against Equity before the playoffs and they helped us get some formback but we are still struggling. 

We picked two points from this and that's a positive for us as we intend to go for wins in the remaining two matches and defend the title," coach Gideon Tarus offered. 

Meanwhile Aliwa said that his charges took tome to settle in the match and when they did, they were able to mount the comeback. 

"The fifth set is like taking penalties in football, it is anyone's game. GSU, however, used their experience to pin us down and win the match. We improved on our services and blocks in the third and fourth set and that is something we will look to perfect on in the coming matches. 

We have picked a point from this result and that is good and gives us confidence. In the remaining matches, we will strive to pick wins," Aliwa offered. 

The tactician says the absence of two of his best players Aggrey Kibungei and Nelson Bitok who have joined Recruits Training School (RTS) has not had a huge impact on the side, saying that Macharia who assumed the leading role in their absence has proved himself as an asset to the team. 

MATCH DAY 1 RESULTS 

KENYA PIPELINE VS DCI 

3-1(25-16, 25-22, 25-27, 25-17) 

KCB VS KENYA PRISONS

3-2(25-18, 22-25, 25-10, 24-26, 15-12)

GSU VS KDF 

3-2(25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 23-25, 15-11)

PRISONS KENYA VS KPA 

3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 21-25, 25-18)