KDF place fifth in KVF playoffs after win against KAPU

By Benjamin Otieno

Kenya Defense Forces men’s volleyball team booked their place in the 5th place finals after an exciting straight sets win over a stubborn Kenya Airports Police Unit Team this afternoon at Nyayo Volleyball Court.

Elisha Aliwa side claimed the opening set 27–25 in an entertaining battle that left the fans off their seat towards the end of the set.

The soldiers then showed their muscle in the second set edging out KAPU 25-23 in yet again another neck to neck battle that once again left the fans craving for more action in the third set.

The third set started on a high note to KDF that saw them open up a commanding 10 point lead which KAPU managed to narrow down to five points. When the score was 24-17 in favor of KDF there was a lapse on the soldiers side which allowed KAPU to get back in the game to 23 points before KDF healed their nerve to seal the set 25-23 to complete the sweep.

While speaking to Citizen Digital after the win, head coach Elisha Aiwa said that he is happy that his boys bounced back to winning ways after last week’s elimination at the hands of Equity.

“I am very happy with the performance coming back from elimination. We have improved on our receptions and blocks but there is still a lot to be done,” the tactician stated.

He went on and said that it was very important for them to finish the league in the highest possible position.

“We have to finish fifth, it is very important for us since it will play a big part when fixtures are ready for next season.

On the navy end to the third set where KAPU caused a late scare, Aliwa stated that it was not a big deal for him since it was a tactical decision.

“When we opened the gap, we felt we needed to do some changes, bring in some players to also have a feel of the field, which brought some laxity but the boys stepped up and won the match.

With the win, KDF advance to the 5th/6th place playoff final where they are set To Play Trailblazers, who progressed without playing after Kenya Forest Service, KFU failed to honor the fixture.

In the women’s matches, Postbank Women defeated Kenya Army in straight sets (25-19, 25-18, 25-22) to reach fifth place final.

In the second match, KDF women dominated Nairobi Prisons with a 3-0 sweep (25-15, 25-22, 25-20) to confirm their spot.