KDF, DCI complete KVF playoffs line-up

The Kenya Defence Forces and Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) teams Friday sealed the final Kenya Volleyball Federation playoffs spots as curtains came down on the national volleyball league at the Kapsabet Showgrounds in Nandi county.

KDF joined champions General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Ports Authority and last year’s runners up Kenya Prisons in the men’s top four teams while DCI will battle for the women’s league title alongside last year’s winners Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline, and KCB.

The Pius Birech coached KDF bounced back to winning ways after Thursday’s defeat against KPA, clobbering Kenya Army by straight sets (19-25, 19-25, 23-25) to finish fourth behind leaders GSU, KPA and Kenya Prisons respectively.

Speaking after his side marched into the playoffs, Birech was confident his charges can challenge giants GSU in the November playoffs.

“Although we have finished fourth in the league, I’m going to ensure we will have good preparations ahead of the dreaded playoffs and I believe we can challenge them (GSU) and end their dominance,” he told Citizen Digital.

On Thursday, the soldiers won by straight sets against Administration Police before going down 3-1 sets against second-placed KPA.

In the women’s contest, DCI defeated KDF 3-1 sets in a deciding tie to return to the playoffs after sealing the fourth position.

Despite losing 3-2 against Kenya Prisons in their final fixture, the 2019 Nyerere Cup winners eased into the best four where they are will face-off with Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and KCB for the 2019 title.

KCB topped the women’s charts followed by champions Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and DCI respectively.

The Bankers head coach Japheth Munala is optimistic of a good show during the playoffs.

“This year we are targeting to reclaim the title which has been elusive for quite some time and it will be very competitive this year because teams have prepared well,” said the Munala also the national women’s volleyball team assistant coach.

The playoffs are scheduled for November 22-24 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Meanwhile, from next year the league will be played in a home and away basis format with all the matches being played indoors.

This is after KVF adopted Paul Bitok’s proposal where the 2020/2021 season will serve off in October and conclude in May the following year, with the period between May and June specifically left for national team assignments and beach volleyball.

Also, the league for both men and women will be played by 12 teams and in four phases namely classificatory, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final. The teams will form a single group and be listed according to their technical level in the previous season.

The Kasarani Indoor Arena and Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa, will be used to host the league matches from next year as the outdoor will be a thing of the past.