FINAL TOUCHES: GSU ready for Africa Club volleyball championships

Kenya volleyball play-offs R Kipkurui (18) and team-mate D. Mokua (right) of Prisons attempts to block a spike by S. Bitok (15) of GSU in the second volleyball men's match as the Kenya Volleyball Federation national play-offs got underway at the KPA Makande Gym, November 27, 2015. GSU won 3-1. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

“We are not going to Cairo to participate, but challenge for the title,” says General Service Unit head coach.

After naming his 12-man squad for the African Club Championship, coach Gideon Tarus said they have played second fiddle for far too long, it was now time to claim top honours. The championship starts on March 23- April 1.

GSU’s best ever performance in the continental showpiece was in 1995 in Benin, when they won bronze medal. But having had to contend with poor reception and weak blocks in last year’s tournament in Tunisia, where they finished 12th, Tarus has included two liberos; Noah Bett and Alfred Kariuki. The team will be captained by right attacker David Kirwa.

However, the former national team head coach admitted it was not easy to select the final squad after two months of training.

“Our main undoing in Tunisia was reception and blocks, but we have worked on those departments. With a fully fit squad at our disposal, we are looking forward to an improved performance in Cairo. To avoid what happened last year, we have decided to go with two liberos,” Tarus said.

“It was not easy to come up with the final team, but I believe these are the best players we have at the moment. We expect stiff competition, but I believe the team has what it takes to restore our lost glory. Our first target is to qualify for the quarters then we pick from there.

“We are leaving nothing to chance and if the boys stick to our plan, we will for sure do well,” added Tarus.

Two setters, Stephen Mathenge and Nicholas Lagat, made the cut alongside Wesley Rono, Abraham Rotich and Cornelius Lagat (centres).

Cornelius Kiplagat will lead the left attacking department together with Dominic Rono and Bonfentry Wekesa, while Solomon Bitol will share the right attacking roles with Kirwa.

According to Kenya Prisons head coach Gideon Chenje, his team’s participation in the tournament still hangs in balance.