• “We had our best foot forward. We will have a rematch tomorrow, where we will go for a win,” Sang said.
• General Services Unit beat Kenya Defence Forces 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) in their opening encounter.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA
The Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s quest to upstage champions KCB fell short, succumbing to a heartbreaking 3-2 (25-17, 25-19, 21-25, 17-25, 16-14) defeat.
The sleuths had come from two sets down to lock it 2-2 but the championships stood firm in the decider at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
DCI coach Patrick Sang described the match as the toughest of the season, given KCB’s championship status. He expects an equally tough second encounter on Saturday, hoping to tie the best of three series at 1-1.
“We had our best foot forward. We will have a rematch tomorrow, where we will go for a win,” Sang said.
He vowed to rectify their mistakes in Saturday’s encounter.
The Lionesses missed the services of youngster Debora Chesang', who has been sidelined with a minor injury.
Opposite attacker Sharon Chepchumba was also granted the first start in the playoffs, leading the attack for the bankers alongside left attacker Mariam Musa and Belinda Barasa.
“We dropped the ball a bit in the third and fourth sets, which cost us, but I am proud that the ladies put up a spirited fight until the last minute. We have a big game tomorrow at the same venue. We have to win to secure our slot in the finals,” head coach Japheth Munala said.
“This was a wake-up call for the team. The more we advance, the more the games become tough for us. We must be ready for them. I am proud of my team for not giving up today, but tomorrow, we must win,” added KCB captain Edith Wisa.
General Services Unit beat Kenya Defence Forces 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) in their opening encounter.
KDF coach Elisha Aliwa expects a better performance on Saturday.
“The game wasn’t good. We did not play as planned. We knew GSU were going to have a lot of attacks and our game plan was to have good blocks and backcourt defence, but it didn’t go well,” he said.
“Our attacks were good but we need to improve on our weak areas. We need to win tomorrow to force the series to a decider.”
GSU’s technical director Moses Epoloto was satisfied with how his charges executed their game plan.
“The team’s progress has been noticeable since the quarterfinals and we’re steadily improving as we approach the trophy,” Epoloto noted.
He praised Naftali Chumba’s impressive performance despite a lack of game time.
“Despite missing several games, Chumba showcased an impressive performance in the semifinal, making just a with few errors,” said Epoloto.
He stressed the importance of psychological preparation and strategic changes to their victory.
“We prioritise psychological preparation, urging players to anticipate and stay comfortable during matches. Additionally, we’ve tweaked our formation and tactics to conserve energy,” he explained.
“Being a part of this team brings me immense joy. I urge players to recognise their potential, reminding them that youth extends beyond age, with ample opportunity to serve as role models for younger generations.”
Champions Kenya Prisons beat Kenya Ports Authority 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-21) in another semifinal encounter. KPA head coach James Ontere rued their mistakes.
“Today’s performance was not impressive due to mistakes in reception, services and defence,” Ontere admitted. He was unhappy with how his defence collapsed in the fourth set.
“In the fourth set, although we were ahead by three points, Prisons played better and our defence was wanting,” he noted. “Tomorrow’s game will be an opportunity for redemption. We will focus on strengthening our defence and improving our services.”