KDF men’s head coach Elisha Aliwa has blamed poor defence and lack of jump serves for failing to make it to the finals of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league playoffs.
Aliwa said there is a need to improve their jump service reception, an area he admitted to have struggled lately.
"Any time our opponents brought in a jump serve, they were taking close to two or three points from us. That is why we need to improve the reception of our jump services. Going forward, we will also need to relook at the court."
Despite their failure to make it to the finals, Aliwa thinks there are a lot of positives to take home from his boys.
"We are getting there compared to last time. Initially, the backcourt was a real problem but we have made a few strides," he added.
He said: "Most of the players are still very young and some of them have been with us for less than a year. Their experience and exposure is not much but we are on course."
KDF still have a chance to finish in the medal bracket as they prepare to face KPA this weekend. "We need to at least finish in a medal bracket. That will be an improvement from last season, where we finished seventh," Aliwa stated
He said the absence of three key players blocker Nelson Bitok, left receiver Aggrey Kibungei and setter Aggrey Kimeli who are out on military duties also led to their dismal show.
Aliwa also revealed that the lack of a good liberal contributed to their downfall. Besides, he said they did not get their basics right.
"We need to be composed when it matters most and react to whatever is thrown at us. We also need to maximise the opponent's weakness. That is how they beat us."
Despite the disappointment of not making it to the finals, Aliwa thanked the supporters for their unwavering support.
"Very many people wanted us to win against GSU and I know they're disappointed. We didn't win to go to the finals, but going forward, things will work out."
KDF lost 3-1 (21-25, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25) to GSU in the second match of the best-of-three series. GSU had won the opener 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19).
In the women’s category, Kenya Pipeline, who lost to Kenya Prisons, will face DCI for the third position play-off.
The women’s final will see Kenya Prisons face KCB with GSU taking on Prisons Kenya in the men’s category. The finals are set for June 7-9 at Kasarani.
