Kenya Ports Authority eye successive victory over KDF in national league

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]

Last year, Kenya Ports Authority beat Kenya Defence Forces 3-1 in a decisive match at the penultimate round of the Kenya Volleyball Federation League in Eldama Ravine.

The question is, can history repeat itself when the two teams meet once again, in what could be a crucial national playoffs decider encounter at the same venue in Baringo County today?

The dockers, who have four matches in hand, are ranked seventh with 16 points, 11 points behind fourth-placed KDF.

But going by the mood in both camps, there is no love lost between the two teams.

No team will be ready to drop guard at the highly anticipated fixture ahead of next month’s playoffs in Mombasa.

Another equally captivating duel of the day will be a match between former champions and league leaders General Service Unit (31) and second-placed Cooperative Bank.

The two teams, alongside champions Prisons Kenya, have already qualified for the playoffs.

After the early kick-off, KPA will take on Vihiga County, before playing third-placed Prisons Kenya. They will wrap up matters with a match against Mt. Kenya University.

Buoyed by their good preparation, KPA coach Samson Sunguti is confident of history repeating itself against the soldiers.

“We are going to Eldama Ravine with one thing in mind; to qualify for the national playoffs,” Sunguti told The Standard Sports.

His sentiments were echoed by captain James Ontere and veteran attacker Bernard Musumba.

“We are fully aware of what is ahead of us and we cannot afford to blunder at this moment.

“We are ready, set and determined to be in the playoffs,” they duo said.

There will be fireworks in the ladies’ category when champions Kenya Pipeline renew their rivalry with league leaders Prisons Kenya (15 points).

Third-placed, Japheth Munala’s Pipeline (12) will face-off with Nairobi Water (11) before meeting their unbeaten arch-rivals, Prisons.

Meanwhile, recently crowned African best blocker Edith Wisa has been nominated for the 2017 Overall Player of the Year Magharibi Michezo Awards slated for December 23 in Bungoma.

The Prisons Kenya star will battle with Braxcides Agala.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 4 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known