Newcomers Blazers determined to leave a mark at KVF playoffs

Trail Blazers players celebrate after scoring a point during a KVF National Men's Volleyball League match at Nyayo Stadium on June 24 2022. [KVF]

Four teams will be aiming to qualify for the 2023 Africa Men’s Volleyball Club Championships when they face each other at the Kenya Volleyball Federation national playoffs set for July 22.

Kenya Volleyball Federation fixtures secretary Ismail Chege said defending champions General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Prisons Kenya and newbies Trail Blazers will clash in a round robin format to determine the 2022 champions.

However, Chege said the venue of the playoffs set to run from July 22 to 24 will be communicated in due course.

GSU will renew their rivalry with Prisons in their opening match of the playoffs.

The champions coached by Gideon Tarus have not lost to the David Lung’aho-coached in the 2022 league and will be looking forward to extend their good run.

Blazers, who are making their maiden in the league and first appearance in the playoffs, take on KPA in their opening match.

The dockers beat Blazers 3-2 in a five-set thriller in the seventh and final leg of the league which, proved the latter will not be pushovers in the playoffs.

KPA coach Sammy Mulinge said that the four teams are equally good and ready for the crowning.

“All the teams have retreated to their training bases ready to make amends before the playoffs,” said Mulinge.

Blazers coach Geoffrey Omondi said he is focused to lead his boys to lay hands on the historic trophy. “I will be putting more work to try and do well in the playoffs. I have been at the playoffs twice but with Cooperative Bank. I know what it means to play at that stage. There is a lot at stake,” said Omondi.

The coach hailed his players for making it to the last four, saying the players have matured and bonded well since the start of the league.

“I believe if we continue with the good combination and teamwork, Blazers will be the team to watch at the playoffs,” he said.