KDF and Pipeline gaffers elated after bagging Inaugural Eldoret City Volleyball tournament titles

Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Pipeline bagged the men and women titles of the inaugural Eldoret City Open Volleyball Tournament that was held at the Eldoret Sports Club on 4 and 5 December 2022.

LADIES CATEGORY

In the ladies category Kenya Pipeline edged their longtime rivals Kenya Prisons by three sets to one (25-22, 26-25, and 25-20). Pipeline coach Paul Gitau said the win was a culmination of work done over the past few years.

"The win has been a long journey. I started the team in 2020 scouting young girls from high school, bringing them to competitions to gain exposure but this year the girls have matured enough and they have started winning. Last month this team defeated KCB in Mombasa and this defeat speaks a lot about the team in the next years." Said Paul Gitau.

The team that also recently won the Governors Cup in Kapsabet, will train in Eldoret before heading to Mosoriot for the league match.

MENS CATEGORY

In the men's category, Kenya Defence Forces emerged winners over Kenya Prisons three sets to one (25-21, 25-19, 25-16, and 25-17).

According to the coach Elisha Leo, this tournament was a test to their new players.

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"This tournament came at a good time, when we are having young players and this was the perfect time to test them and it has really worked for us." He said.

He however anticipates a competitive 2022/23 season, but is optimistic that his charges will register impressive results.

"This season will be very competitive, but with the right training and mentality, the boys will perform." Leo said.

Team catain Anthony Chimani said team would work on its weaknesses that include net touch, blocks and serving. He however is hopeful that they will impress this season.

"We will work on our serving, blocking, and net touching to better our performance as we prepare for the league." he told Mozzart Sport.

WHAT THE ORGANIZERS SAID

The organizers, led by Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok praised the success of the tournament, mentioning that in future they look forward to rewarding the winners up to Kshs 1 million in a bid to develop volleyball countrywide.

Bitok revealed that the long-term goal is to make Volleyball an indoor sport, so as to attract players worldwide. He also appealed to financiers to help him actualize this dream.

"The tournament was on another level and even attracted teams from outside Kenya. Our aim is to professionalize volleyball in Kenya and in future make this an indoor game so that we can host international teams in the city of Eldoret. We also look forward to awarding the winners upto Kshs 1 million." Bitok said.

The tournament attracted a total of 37 teams with winners pocketing Kshs 100,000 and first runners-up winning Kshs 50,000.