Prisons aiming to reclaim national men’s volleyball league title as Chemos joins Israel side

Timon Kimutai (left) of Kenya Prisons strikes against Cornelius Kiplagat (9) and Cornelius Kiplagat during their Men's Kenya Volleyball Federation National League play-offs match at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium on December 03, 2018. GSU won 3-0. [Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com]

Kenya Prisons men’s volleyball team will be aiming to reclaim the National Volleyball League title at this weekend’s play-offs at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

The warders have been playing second fiddle to their arch-rivals and record champions General Service Unit for two years in a row, since winning the national play-offs in 2016.

But having acquired the services of celebrated coach David Lung’aho, who has then turned to hungry and talented youngster as they continue with their rebuilding process, Prisons appear to be clearly plotting on ending GSU’s recent dominance in the domestic scene.

Lung’aho has been instrumental in helping the Prisons women’s team and national women’s team Malkia Strikers dominate both in local and continental events.

“It has been long since we last won the title. I’ve brought a lot of changes in the team and expectations are high as we head to the play-offs. But this is work in progress,” Lung’aho told Standard Sports after yesterday’s training at Nyayo Gymnasium.

“Since I joined the team, a lot has happened and all players are enjoying themselves; be it in training session or game situation. It is my hope they will carry that attitude into the play-offs."

“I’ve tried to bring in the tactics and style of players I’ve been using both with women’s team and the national team. This is a completely new team but I’m pleased with how the players have improved. The boys have adapted to my different styles of play and they are really enjoying the game.”

Though still optimistic of ensuring his side stops GSU from winning their third consecutive national league title, Lung’aho, who doubles up as the Kenya Volleyball Federation Technical Director, insisted he is building a team for the future.

“Everyone is looking forward to see how these young players will perform at the play-offs. Yes, we are in a good position to reclaim the title this year, but if that doesn’t happen, we will not give up. Instead, we will continue working hard and once we start winning, we will do so for two or three years in a row,” he said.

Prisons will have to do without the services of experienced right-attacker Michael Chemos, who joined an Israel top tier club two months ago.

“I’m glad the boys are in good shape with no any injury concerns. The only player we will miss is Chemos (Michael), but we have enough quality to fill his gap,” said Lung’aho.