Tarus wary of team cohesion as KVF playoffs get underway

General Service Unit (GSU) men’s volleyball side are going for a sixth consecutive title when the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) 2023 playoffs get underway on Monday 2 October.

Head cocah Gideon Tarus has underscored the signifance of their opening match against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the three-day competition saying that it will help him gauge his side’s preparedness.

“The cohesion and chemistry in the squad is not where I wanted it to be as we head to the playoffs so the opening match will be a lot more for us. It will help me gauge our level, work on our fielding and combinations as well as give us confidence heading to the other two matches,” Tarus told Mozzart Sport.

The paramilitary side has been the overwhelming favourite in previous seasons but as they go to battle for this season’s title, they remain wary of Paul Bitok Foundation champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), former league champions Prisons Kenya who have been on a long title drought owing to GSU’s dominance and KDF who are chasing the elusive title.

Meanwhile, the women’s league will see Paul Gitau’s charges Kenya Pipeline going for back-to-back title in the competition that runs from 2 to 4 October at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium.

Pipeline have their work cut out in their attempt to add another title to their collection. The star-studded oilers go up against another good side in KCB who seem to be their biggest rival this year.

Battle lines drawn as KVF playoff dates are set

The two sides are home to all the Kenyan-based players, but one, who did duty for the national team in the most recent assignments in the FIVB Challenger Cup and the African Nations championship held in France and Cameroon respectively.

Also, not to be ignored are former champions Prisons Kenya who finished third in the regular season, losing one match, just like the top two teams. The wardresses, however, were shaky in the regular season, dropping a few sets in their wins.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who are a fast-rising side that has been improving with every appearance in the playoffs are looking to cause an upset and break the podium jinx, having finished in fourth place in all their previous involvements.

Monday fixtures

10:00 AM: Kenya Pipeline vs DCI

12:00 PM: Kenya Prisons vs KCB

2:00 PM: GSU vs KDF

4:00 PM: KPA vs Prisons Kenya