‘JUST RELAX, FIGHT NOT OVER’: Prisons coach Chenje says GSU are main threat in KVF title chase

Defending Kenya Volleyball Federation Men’s Premier League champions Prisons Kenya will be aiming to retain their national title at the play-offs set for November.

With two legs to go (Eldama Ravine and Kapsabet), Prisons have already qualified for the play-offs after garnering 26 points from their last ten matches.

And as they prepare for the Baringo leg on September 25, the eighth round of the 2015 season, head coach Gideon Chenje says they will use the remaining two tournaments as part of their preparations for the play-offs.

“We have been training for the last two weeks and everything is going on quite well. Our target is to retain the title and I believe the remaining two tournaments in Eldama Ravine and Kapsabet will help us prepare well for the real battle in November. This month’s competition will also give us a perfect opportunity to bounce back from our 3-2 Nyeri tournament defeat to GSU,” Chenje told Feverpitch.

Prisons are currently second on the log, two points behind leaders Kenya Ports Authority, but the former national team head coach still considers fifth placed General Service Unit as their main threat.

“Despite being number five at the moment, GSU are still a big threat because they have all the experience required and I know they will make it to the final stages. KDF and Bandari are emerging teams that we expect to give us hard time too, but with the current crop of players in the team, we have what it takes to overcome them,” said Chenje.

The team has been boosted by the return to training of six youthful players, who have been out of action since joining the Prisons Staff Training College, in May 2015.

Kenyan international duo of Sila Kipruto and Rodgers Kipkirui joined the rest of the team in training on Monday alongside setter Kevin Maiyo, right attacker Naman Jirongo, middle blocker Emmanuel Kipkogei and right attacker Nicholas Maina.

“As a coach, it is always good to have all your best players in training ahead of a tough competition like the play-offs.

“The six players are yet to finish their training, but they came in to reinforce the team as we prepare for the play-offs. Some of them will be with us in Baringo,” Chenje said.

The wardens face Vihiga County and Co-op Bank in Baringo before playing against Western Prisons at the Kapsabet leg next month.