Patrick Sang upbeat as DCI chase elusive KVF National League final berth

Patrick Sang is a man on a mission as Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) women’s volleyball team line up for this year’s Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League semi-final play-offs, serving off on Friday, 23 May at Makande Hall, in Mombasa County.

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DCI, who joined the national league in 2018, have played second fiddle to holders KCB, former champions Kenya Pipeline and Prisons Kenya, finishing fourth in the last three editions, a script Sang is keen to flip.

The tactician is banking on their recent form, which has seen them beat two of the top sides this season, to pull them through to a maiden final. DCI will play Prisons in one of the semi-finals, while champions KCB take on Kenya Pipeline in the other.

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“Our wins against Prisons Kenya and Kenya Pipeline in recent times have given us morale, and we know that with hard work and determination, anything can happen,” Sang told KVF media.

DCI beat Prisons 3-2 during last year’s Kipchumba Karori tournament at the Eldoret Polytechnic in the semifinal.

Most recently, they shocked pre-match favourites Pipeline 3-1 in the just-ended regular season at Nyayo National Stadium.

It is on this backdrop that Sang believes that the team has what it takes to compete for not only a final berth but the title should they proceed to the final scheduled for Thursday, 5 to Sunday, 8 June at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

“We have what it takes to battle for the trophy. We have matured and we are ready to conquer,” Sang, a former General Service Unit player who is not new to title chases as a player, said.

National team trialist Sarah Namisi and middle blocker Caroline Sirengo echoed Sang's sentiments, saying they were going to put their best foot forward to ensure that they qualify for the final.

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On their part, the warders are out to reclaim the national title, last won in 2021, and are not taking DCI’s challenge lightly.

Experienced Prisons opposite hitter Lydia Maiyo admits the side has a tricky clash, but, in a quick rejoinder, says they are capable of sailing through.

“Things are looking up, and we are hopeful of winning our semi-final. We just need to tame them. We have trained well, and the players are raring to go,” said Maiyo.