Directorate of Criminal Investigations, DCI's Jane Mumbua during KVF match at Wote grounds in Makueni Couinty on Friday Sept 21, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Police side will be making maiden appearance in battle for league title.

 “Underrate us at our own peril. We qualified for the play-offs by merit, not by chance,” that was the message from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) head coach Daniel Bor to their opponents.

The police side is preparing for the National Volleyball League play-offs at the Kasarani Gymnasium next week.

DCI, who finished fourth in the just concluded regular season, will be making their maiden appearance at the highly anticipated play-offs, after missing out on the qualification on their debut season in the league last year.

Though the debutants face stiff competition from champions Kenya Prisons, seasoned campaigners Kenya Pipeline and KCB, Bor insists that his side have a point to prove in the three-day extravaganza.

“We are going to the play-offs as worthy opponents and ready to give all the three seasoned teams a run for their money,” Bor said after Friday’s training at Nyayo Gymnasium.

“We are not just going there to participate but to fight for the title. Let those underrating us do so at their own peril. We are a team to watch.”

Coach Daniel Bor of GSU during KVF match at Wote grounds in Makueni Couinty on Friday Sept 21, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The tactician was quick to heap praise on his players for securing the historic play-offs slot in their second season in the league.

“By the way, we are in the play-offs on merit not by chance. And by qualifying for the play-offs for the first, I’ve partially achieved my dreams with this team. This was part of our target as team when we joined the league this season,” said Bor.

“I’m so happy and proud of my players. The girls are in high spirits and happy for making it to the last four.”

Even as Bor has declared to have a fully-fit squad at his disposal for the tournament, the investigators will heavily bank on the experienced duo of captain and national team middle blocker Caroline Sirengo and her assistant Maureen Wekesa.

“Of course we also have some amazing talents in the team led by captain Caroline Sirengo and her assistant Maureen Wekesa. Their experience will be invaluable to us during the play-offs,” observed Bor.

The coach says they are more than ready for their opening match against fancied KCB on Friday.

“KCB is a strong team with many experienced players, but having played so many matches against them in the cup competitions of the regular season, I know we have gained a lot of experience which is good enough to challenge them on Friday,” he added.

After KCB tie, DCI will take on Pipeline on Saturday before wrapping it up with champions Prisons the following day.

 

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