KDF too good for Equity Bank
Cornelius Kiprotich of Kenya Defence Forces celebrates a point during their Kenya Volleyball Federation National League match against Equity Bank at Nyayo National Stadium Indoor Arena on July 24, 2021.
What you need to know:
- KDF, Equity and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) are in the race for the remaining play-offs slot but the soldiers now have a slim advantage following their crucial win over the bankers
- KDF have 20 points from 10 matches, one ahead of the bankers who have played the same number of matches
- KFS defeated AP 3-1 (25-16,25-20,20-25,25-23) and Western Prisons 3-0 (25-21,25-22,25-20) to take their tally to 22 points ahead of Sunday's match against Equity
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) men's team have one foot in Kenya Volleyball Federation National League play-offs after spanking rivals Equity Bank 3-0 (25-18,28-26,25-22) at Nyayo National Stadium indoor arena on Saturday.
KDF, Equity and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) are in the race for the remaining play-offs slot but the soldiers now have a slim advantage following their crucial win over the bankers.
But KDF coach Alisha Aliwa said they will not celebrate just yet.
"While the win has helped us open a small gap between us and KFS and Equity, the work is not yet done. We need to win our remaining two ties Sunday but I'm happy that we beat Equity," said Aliwa.
KDF take on Nairobi Prisons and Administration Police (AP) on Sunday at the same venue.
KDF have 20 points from 10 matches, one ahead of the bankers who have played the same number of matches.
Equity Bank outside hitter Julliard Mbappe (left) powers an attack against Aggrey Kimeli (centre) and Nelson Bitok of Kenya Defence Forces during their Kenya Volleyball Federation National League match at Nyayo National Stadium Indoor Arena on July 24, 2021.
KFS defeated AP 3-1 (25-16,25-20,20-25,25-23) and Western Prisons 3-0 (25-21,25-22,25-20) to take their tally to 22 points ahead of Sunday's match against Equity.
The duo of Nelson Bitok and Bernard Wechuli were outstanding for KDF with their water-tight blocks as the forces side overpowered their opponents who looked disjointed in all departments.
KFS will battle Equity Bank on Sunday but head coach Wachira Gatuiria insists fate is not in their hands.
"Things would have been different if Equity and KDF would have shared points but mathematically, KDF have upper hand. But that said, we will not relent as anything can happen in sport and we will push to the end," said Gatuiria.
Champions GSU, Kenya Prisons and KPA have already qualified for the play-offs where the top two teams will book automatic tickets to African Clubs Championship.
In other matches played at the same venue, General Service Unit (GSU) beat Vihiga County 3-0 (25-22,25-19,25-20) while Mombasa Prisons trounced Western Prisons 3-0 (25-17,25-21,25-20).
Fixtures
Sunday
Nairobi Prisons v KDF 9am
Kenya Ports Authority v AP 9am
KFS v Equity Bank 11am
KDF v AP 11am
GSU v KPA 1pm
Western Prisons v Kenya Prisons 1pm
Rift Valley Prisons v Equity Bank 3pm
