GSU, KCB triumph in Eldoret City Volleyball

General Service Unit (GSU) left the City of Champions, Eldoret, all smiles after being crowned the winners of the Eldoret City Volleyball played over the weekend at the Eldoret National Polytechnic.

GSU saw off Kenya Prisons three sets without feedback (25:20, 25:21, 25:20) while the Bankers outclassed their arch-rivals Kenya Pipeline three sets to one (25:17, 22:25, 25:23, 26:24).

The impressive performances saw them dethrone defending champions Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and Kenya Prisons in the men and women category respectively.

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In closely contested matches, ending close to dusk, awards were presented despite darkness creeping in. The medals were shining in the dark as players smiled to end their week on a high.

The tournament that attracted hundreds of fans was graced by Uasin Gishu county governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii, the first daughter Charlene Ruto, and Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi among other dignitaries.

It was curtain raised by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league matches that were played on November 30 and December 1 at the same grounds.

Speaking after the win, GSU tactician Gideon Tarus was impressed with his charges’ efforts, but he insisted that they still had areas to improve on going forward.

“I am not so happy, but I am glad that we won. There are some areas we wished to execute but we did not. We will be sure to work on them and play well next time. Expect good things from GSU,” Tarus offered.

In addition, the gaffer noted that their main goal was to reclaim the KVF national league trophy. The players are not new to that milestone having retained the league's trophy 15 times in the past.

“Let me thank my players. This far, they have shown high levels of discipline and cooperation between coaches, players, and management. So far, I have 18 points. Last season we lost in the playoffs but we’re now working hard to win this time. God willing, if I do not get any injury, I will reclaim my trophy. I am now assessing my opponents' strongholds so that we know how to approach them,” he told Mozzart Sport.

In the women's category, KCB powered past stubborn Kenya Pipeline three sets to one (25:17, 22:25, 25:23, 26:24). The Bankers who did not get much playtime in the league action due to walkover were still rejuvenated during the final. They were also oozing confidence following their victory in the Heroes Tournament a month ago.

They were under the tutelage of Malkia Strikers tactician Japheth Munala who noted that with the growing competitive nature of the game, they would have to work harder to maintain their top status.

"This is our second win this season. I am very happy because my players have played very well. We have to work hard and win many championships before the African Club Championships. We played with one setter and we are hoping that next tournament we will get another setter to assist," Munala offered.

Eldoret Queens capitalized on the home advantage to emerge 3:1 victorious over Kipkenyo in the Self Help Women category while Kahawa and Windani shared spoils in the men's self-help category.

Kwanthanze carried the day in the school category after heaping 3:0 misery over Soweto.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Best server -Chumba GSU

Best Left Hitter -Denis Esokon- KPR

Best Opposite -Joshua GSU

Best Libero-Kipchumba-GSU

MVP- Setter Brian Melly GSU

WOMEN INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Best setter -Esther Mutinda KBC

Best Libero - Agripina Kundu-KPC

Best attacker - Valentine Chemutai - Postbank

Best opposite Pamela Adhiambo - KPC

Best middle blocker -Lydia Iswani KPC

MVP - Pauline Chemutai -KCB