Coaches beaming with confidence ahead of KVF playoffs

DCI’s Middle blockers Mercy Iminza (center) and Peris Kanus blocking Daisy Jepkorir (left) of Kenya Pipeline Volleyball club during the KVF National league 1st Leg, Women at the Nyayo national stadium. Feb 26, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Prisons and KCB coaches do understand that fear will always be there no matter what they do, but the fear of failure is not in their vocabulary as they head for the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national playoffs.

The playoffs slated for October 2-4 at Kasarani Gymnasium will culminate with the crowning of the 2022/23 national men and women champions.

Four men and women teams will be fighting for the title currently well locked in the cabinets of General Service Unit (GSU) and Kenya Pipeline respectively.

The three coaches Sammy Mulinge (KPA), Prisons head coach David Lung'aho and KCB's technical director Paul Bitok are aware pressure is like fuel that motivates them to be better every day.

"We are going to give our best out of ourselves. The playoffs will be much tougher than before. We had many players in the national team and now they are back to their respective teams," said Mulinge.

"My boys have matured more than last season and we intend to use that opportunity to display a better game than the previous seasons. We shall approach each game with a lot of caution taking into account that other teams have really improved," said the experienced coach.

Mulinge said KPA finished second behind GSU last season and the absence of international Enock Mogeni, captain Dennis Omollo and Peter Kamara is a major concern.

"The trio have been playing fundamental roles in the team but we are ready to unleash new arsenals in Nairobi," added Mulinge.

Lung'aho also said he expects tough competition in both genders and some top level competition.

"We have the confidence, drive and aggressiveness to reclaim the titles, " said Lung'aho.

Bitok, who is also the head coach of Malkia Strikers, said:"It is going to be tough competition because all four teams are at the same level. Three teams lost one match in the regular leg before the playoffs and the team that prepared well will be the champion.

"We shall do our best to reclaim the title. We have been training hard for the last two weeks and I believe come next week we shall be ready to face our opponent," said Bitok.