GSU off to winning start in KVF title campaign

Slightly tinkered teams, same result! 

The clash between Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league champions General Service Unit (GSU) and nemesis Prisons Kenya is always a charged one and their meeting on Friday 10 February in the second leg of the league was no different. 

GSU were opening their season as they did not get to play in the first leg in Mosoriot last December and were eager to register a positive result while the warders were chasing a second victory after their win against Administration Police (AP) on the first leg.

Lung'aho's Prisons out to make amends in 2023 KVF season

"This is always a tricky fixture but when Prisons win the first set it gets tricky for us. With that in mind, we had to fight even when we were trailing the first set.  

That comeback gave us the much-needed morale to play well in the second and third set. Whole we are happy for the win, we have to shift our focus to the next assignment against Trailblazers on Saturday," offered GSU skipper Emmanuel Kogo. 

Coach David Lung'aho elected to start his new recruits Emmanuel Mwandori and Denis Esokon alongside veteran Hudson Chesoli and other regulars Elphas Makuto, Jairus Kipkosgei and Timon Kimutai. 

As if reading from the same script, Gideon Tarus also gave starting berths to setter Mathias Kemboi, Dominic Chelule and Hudson Kipchumba as the starting libero ahead of Andrew Wafula. 

As expected, it was a match of 'wait and see' as both teams and tactician treaded cautiously in the first set. 

GSU led by a point and then two in the initial stages of the match but the scores were tied on numerous occasions before the warders took a three-point advantage at 13-16 forcing Tarus into his first timeout (TO). 

There was still a two-point difference at 20-22 and GSU elected to to make their first changes bringing in William Kamau for Nicholas Matui while Josephat Kimaru replaced Kemboi. 

Tarus' charges leveled the score at 22 and again at 23, 24 and 25 before going ahead 26-25 when the low roof at Nyayo Indoor Arena betrayed Prisons' reception as the ball went straight for the lights to award GSU a crucial point as they won 27-25. 

GSU has another good start leading 8-4 before the warders could call for a timeout that changed the game in their favour. They rallied to level the score at 11 points and it was Tarus' turn to call for a moment with his charges. 

The two sides went toe-to-toe until the 18th point and GSU broke away to win 25-21 with Prisons making unforced errors to hand GSU the set. 

It was downhill for Lung'aho's charges in the third set as GSU dominated to the set for a 25-12 outcome.