GSU eye fifth consecutive volleyball title as play-offs nears

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, and they expect to continue with the tradition this year.

With Kasarani and Nyayo booked, organisers are yet to give an alternative venue for the playoffs, but the league giants are prepared for the action set for July 22-24, where they will be hoping to make it five titles in a row, but unlike in other seasons, the holders have been rattled and have their work cut out.

In the regular season, the Tarus-coached side were shocked to a 3-0 defeat at the Nyayo Indoor Arena by an enterprising Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who have for years 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 defeat to the Docker.

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,” he said.

He added: “The four teams in the playoffs are tough and I know it will be no walk in the pack but I am going for the title.” 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.

Oduor calls on Prisons to regroup ahead of KVF playoffs “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.               -David Ndolo