NAIL-BITING BATTLE: KDF face tough match against KPA in search of play-off slot

Solomon Salban (12) of KPA attempts to block a spike by Sila Kiptoo (right) of Prisons in one of the volleyball matches for the Kenya Volleyball Federation Fisrt Leg League at the Karisa Maitha Grounds in Kilifi town within Kilifi County, April 08, 2016. Prisons won 2-1. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

There will be no love lost when Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Ports Authority face-off in a nail-biting battle over the final national play-offs slot in the penultimate leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation League in Eldama Ravine today.

It is a clash that neither side would want to lose as they are separated by only three points after avoiding each other in the last two legs (Homa Bay and Voi).

The winner between the two will join the duo of men’s champions and league leaders General Service Unit (30 points) and surprise package Nairobi Water (29 points) in the national play-offs finals slated for November 25-27.

Kenya Prisons will also book a slot in the final round if they beat KPA and rivals GSU today without dropping a set.

And after the eagerly awaited tie, KPA will lock horns with GSU as KDF battles with Bungoma and Kenya Prisons.

Although fate is in both teams’ (KDF and KPA) hands, KDF captain Elisha Aliwa is optimistic of grabbing the final slot.

“It is due to some unavoidable circumstances that we have failed to play KPA in the last two legs. But time has come and there are no more excuses. The stakes are high, but we are ready to face them,” Aliwa told Feverpitch.

“It is unfortunate that the last match is between KPA and KDF. Fate is in the hands of both teams, but the fact is one of us will have to miss the play-offs.

“We have prepared well, but we will miss Kipyego (Rodgers) and Tarus (Gideon) due to job commitment and sickness. However, everybody is psyched up and we hope that everything goes as planned and we qualify for finals.”

In the Women’s league, leaders Prisons Kenya (21 points) will renew their rivalry with champions Kenya Pipeline in the opening match as third placed Nairobi Water entertain Bungoma County.

Although both Prisons and Pipeline have already secured their play-off slots, bragging rights are still at stake going into this match.

The Wardresses will have to do without the services of injured captain Loise Jepkosgei experienced attacker Evelyn Makuto as Janet Wanja misses out for Pipeline.

Meanwhile, the Kenya U23 women’s national team yesterday received poultry products from Kenchic Limited courtesy of Moses Mbuthia.

The team is in residential camp at the Kasarani ahead of next week’s Confederation of African Volleyball championships in Nairobi.