GSU dominate KPA to reclaim KVF men's title
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.06.25. | 18:20
The paramilitary side had finished third in the last two seasons, as Prisons Kenya lifted both titles
General Service Unit's (GSU) wait for a league title came to an end as they saw off Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 2-1 in the best-of-three Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league final playoff, on Sunday 8 June, to reclaim the gong.
The Gideon Tarus-led paramilitary side had missed out on the title in the last two season, with Prisons Kenya carrying the bragging rights on both occasions.
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Ready to move from the shadows, GSU headlined the regular season, losing once to the eventual silver medalist.
In the best-of-three quarters they eliminated KAPU in the quarters.
In the semis, up against Equity Bank, the side won the opening match 3-1 (25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23) and left nothing to chance in Game Two to secure a 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-16) for a place in the final.
On their part KPA dominated outgoing champions Prisons 2-0, picking a 3-1 (25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-18) victory in Game One, doubling down in the second game with a 3-0 (25 – 21, 25 – 17, 25 – 18) win to reach the final for a chance at a maiden title.
Heading to the decider game with the series tied 1-1, GSU fought a resilient James Ontere-led side for a straight-sets victory.
The opening set was a see-saw with the two sides separated by two points or less until the 15-point mark when the paramilitary side went on a seven-point run with Shadrack Misiko's three consecutive blocks the highlight as GSU led 22-15.
Despite the Dockers mounting a comeback, cutting their deficit to 24-19, Nicholas Matui sealed the set for his side with massive hit to the centre, with Dennis Omollo unable to dig it out.
The script repeated in the second set, with little separating the duo, after KPA rallied from 3-1 to level the sets at four points, take the lead at 5-4 and keep GSU chasing the all-important point.
The soldiers assumed lead a 9-8 and further at 13-10 off Bonifentry Mukhekhe and Emmanuel Kogo's blocks.
The difference remained at 15-12 as Matui gave his side the first ace of the set.
In his attempt to get his side back in the game Brian Kamonde went up for an attack only to be penalised for a net violation and his teammate Kevin Kipchumba gifted GSU one more after sending his service straight to the net, taking their deficit to five at 17-12.
Credit to GSU setter Mathias Kemboi as he set up his side for success with clever manoeuvres that often caught KPA's blockers off guard.
The Dockers were, however, not taking it lying down as they fought back, with Peter Kamara's block bringing them to within two points at 21-19 forcing coach Tarus into a timeout.
He lifted the KPA fans off their seats once again with a monster hit for 22-21 but his efforts were not enough as GSU rallied for a 25-21 set, the final points coming off yet another net violation for Ontere's charges.
KPA struggled with their services in the third set but they refused to go, trailing by a point or two at all times but Mukhekhe's ace made it a three-point game at 16-13 and further at 18-13 before he and Naftali Chumba gifted the Dockers with a net serve and an attack that flew off the court.
GSU, however, quickly regrouped to rally for a 25-22 win.
