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How GSU claimed KVF title with a lean squad
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 17.06.25. | 15:07
The victory capped off a dramatic best-of-three playoff series between two of the country’s most formidable volleyball outfits
After two seasons of heartbreak, General Service Unit (GSU) are back at the top of Kenyan volleyball.
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The paramilitary side clinched the 2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league title in emphatic fashion, handcuffing Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in straight sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-22) during the decisive Game Three at the Kasarani Gymnasium on Sunday, 8 June.
The victory capped off a dramatic best-of-three playoff series between two of the country’s most formidable volleyball outfits.
GSU took the first leg on Friday, 6 June, with a clean 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-22, 30-28), before KPA bounced back in Game Two on Saturday, 7 June, with a spirited 3-1 win (25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19), setting the stage for a winner-takes-all finale.
Despite going into the decider with a thinner squad than usual, GSU played with precision and sheer determination.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the team’s head coach, Gideon Tarus, revealed that they had spent the past two seasons not dwelling on past defeats but learning from them. They last won the title in 2023.
“We talked to players, and we all agreed that it was possible. It was painful to miss the title before, but we took it as a learning lesson and started plotting how to win it,” Tarus said.
Tarus went on to note that a key factor in their campaign was their ability to adapt tactically to different opponents, explaining that they made specific adjustments based on the style of play they were up against.
“We made our adjustments according to our opponents’ style of play. I have fewer players, but we all agreed that anything was possible,” he disclosed.
The Wafalme Stars’ coach further credited the team’s victory to collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
“I cannot point out specific players because they all had different roles in the field and delivered well,” he said.
Interestingly, Tarus was not present in the dressing room before the final match, choosing instead to let his assistant handle the team talk.
“I do not discuss the game so much before a match. I give my players time to meditate and reflect on where they went wrong,” he offered.
Now champions once again, GSU can look forward to representing Kenya at next year’s African Clubs Championship. Still, Tarus admits the job is far from over.
“I need to improve more on reception and service. We can expect changes in the squad, but we’ll know when the time comes,” he concluded.
The victory marked GSU’s first league title since 2023. Their belief began to grow earlier in the campaign when they edged out defending champions Kenya Prisons in a nail-biting 3-2 victory.
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