Mulinge keen guide KPA to KVF playoffs

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men's volleyball side have a tough task ahead as they look to qualify for the league playoffs unbeaten. 

The Mombasa-based side lead the log on 28 points after ten matches and have five more to go to the conclusion of the regular season. 

Coach Sammy Mulinge says going to the playoffs unbeaten will be an added advantage to his side as they will have the confidence to face the top teams that have dominated the local volleyball scene for years. 

"The league is very competitive this season and we cannot possibly tell what will happen in the remaining matches. However, an unbeaten run would give my relatively young squad alot of confidence going into the playoffs," offered Mulinge. 

The dockers have a date with league champions General Service Unit (GSU) who are second on the log at 23 points after playing eight marches and are the only other unbeaten side. 

Also on their books is a clash against former champions Kenya Prisons who are currently fifth on the log with six wins in eight matches and are fighting to qualify for the playoffs too. 

KPA also have to face off with fast-rising Kenya Forest Service (KFS) who have rapidly become the league’s dark horse and are currently ranked fourth, having won seven of their nine matches. 

The other two opponents are Administration Police (AP) who have proved to be no pushover and have forced some of the top teams to five-set thrillers. KPA also have a fixture against Prisons Central, which, on paper, is likely their easiest match remaining. 

"We had a chance to train together for more than two weeks ahead of the club championships and we are still reaping the gains from that in the league. Hopefully, the next leg will come sooner so that we do not lose the gains of the training we had and we can play these matches while we have this momentum. We have some tough matches ahead and we cannot ignore the fact that some of these teams are very experienced. We have to be at our best before facing them," added Mulinge. 

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KPA have become a third force in a league that was for long dominated by GSU and Kenya Prisons. The side has finished fifth at the continental club championship and there has been a massive improvement locally in the last three seasons. 

"I am happy for the steady growth. Every day, every competition you can see some progress. They are not high level players yet but have a massive room to be at the top. We need to keep them together for a good time. 

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We appreciate the support from the KPA management and are hoping that they can tie these players down with contracts so we can, together, build a title-winning squad," Mulinge concludes.