Owino confident of Equity volleyball's bronze chances

Under the tutelage of Patrick Owino, Equity men's volleyball side broke the last four jinx at this year's Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) playoffs, a feat the tactician says is a step in the right direction. 

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Owino, who doubles up as the beach volleyball team's coach, guided the bankers to the Semis, where they faced off with former champions General Service Unit (GSU), going down 2-0 in the best-of-three Semis played at Makande Hall, in Mombasa, missing out on the title match. 

Heading to the final scheduled for 6 to 8 June at Kasarani indoor arena, the tactician says his side is focused on clinching the bronze medal as they face outgoing champions Prisons Kenya, who lost to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the other semi. 

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"It has been a long journey. We have had a relatively good season, both in the regular and playoff campaigns," the tactician who took over the reins at the beginning of the season offered. "Reaching the semis, for the first time, with the competition we have seen in the league is no mean feat. I am proud of my team." 

Despite being defeated in the Semis, the season has had several wins for the bankers, who have previously struggled to beat the 'mid-table' tag. They were earlier in the season crowned the 2024 champions of the Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball tournament. 

At the time, the coach had told Mozzart Sport that he was banking on their success in Eldoret, which came just as the season entered its second leg, to propel them to a maiden title. At the time, he argued that the side had worked on team chemistry as well as defense, both blocks and backcourt, to adjust to league demands. 

"We still have a match to play before the conclusion of the season, and we will fight to get the win," he added. 

Meanwhile, the title will be a battle between former champions GSU, looking to reclaim the title, and KPA chasing a maiden gong. 

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En route to the final, KPA dominated holders 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) victory to reach the final.

On their part, GSU, up against Equity Bank, won the opening match 3-1 (25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23) on Friday 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.