KDF receive timely boost ahead of new season

KDF players attempt to block a spike by Charles Lagat (right) of GSU as the Kenya Volleyball Federation play-offs got underway at the KPA Makande GYM. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya Defence Forces men’s volleyball team have been handed a major boost following middle-blocker Gideon Tarus’ return to full scale training ahead of next month’s (March 3-5) Kenya Volleyball Federation League first leg in Nyeri.

The Kenyan international, who was sidelined for the whole season last year after undergoing an operation to remove his appendix, has been given the all-clear by doctors to resume training.

Tarus’ absence in the soldiers’ squad last season was heavily felt as they failed to qualify for the national playoffs for the first time since they joined the league in 2008.

It was a season that KDF will never forget after their 3-1 defeat to Kenya Ports Authority in a decisive season encounter, denied them a playoffs ticket.

However, according to Team Manager Alfred Ruto, the return of Tarus from the treatment room is a big boost to team as they aim to bounce back.

“We are happy to have Tarus (Gideon) back in the team. Fact is, we really missed him last year. He is one of our key players, so his absence definitely affected our performance in one way or another,” Tarus told Feverpitch.