Prisons now go for the kill

Prison's Timon Kimutai reacts in a game against GSU during the 1st Nairobi Water and Seawerage Company Chairman's Cup at Ndakaini Stadium on Friday, April 28, 2017. {PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenya Prisons men's coach Gideon Chenje is optimistic of retaining the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League title despite losing to rivals General Service Unit in the second leg of the season in Ndakaini.

The warders made a good start to the season by beating Forest Rangers 3-1 (25-11, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19) before falling to last year's runner-up, GSU, by an identical score of 25-18, 26-24, 25-21, 25-22 in a crunch match on Friday.

However, Prisons swiftly bounced back to exact revenge against the paramilitary side by beating them 3-1 in the group stages of the inaugural Nairobi Water Chairman's Cup at the weekend.

The Ruiru-based side then trounced Kenya Defence Forces by straight sets of 25-19, 25-22, 25-17 in the final and now the experienced coach is confident of successfully retaining the national league title.

"The first day in the league was a bit difficult for us as we made very many errors, but now we are back on our feet," Chenje told The Standard Sports.

"As you saw, the tournament was just like our build-up matches. The team combined and coordinated very well. Winning the Cup has built our confidence of retaining the national title. It has also motivated the players ahead of the third leg in Eldoret.

"We did very well to bounce back from the league's defeat against GSU. It gave us confidence that we are also winners. We are motivated, encouraged and confident ahead of the next assignments.

But for his GSU counterpart, Gideon Tarus, there are not ready to speak about winning the title despite extending their unbeaten run to four games.

"It is still too early to talk about the title, but from now, I am building a youthful team that will reclaim the title. I am prepared for any eventuality. However, expect a very strong GSU with young players by the end of the year," said Tarus.

Meanwhile, Kenya Beach Volleyball has received a shot in the arm after Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company committed to sponsor the men's team in next week's (May 10-15) African Nations Championships in Mozambique.

Kenya Beach Volleyball chairman Ben Juma said the national federation will cater for the expenses of the yet-to-be-selected women's team.