Reclaiming the Kenya Volleyball Federation title will be on technical director Moses Epoloto's mind when GSU challenge champions Kenya Prisons at the Karasani Indoor Arena this weekend.
GSU surrendered the title to the wardens last season and believes his team is ready after a rigorous season and playoffs, which concluded at the same venue over the weekend.
The veteran coach said: "The season hasn't been that bad. We need that win against Kenya Prisons in the final. We will not take anything less."
GSU reached the final after beating Kenya Defence Forces 2-0 in the best-of-three series; 3-0 (25-21,25-20,25-19) and 3-1 (25-21, 24-26, 25-18, 25-18).
Prisons laboured to a 2-1 win over Kenya Ports Authority; 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-21), 0-3 (17-25, 20-25,17-25) and 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 25-20).
KPA and KDF will battle for the bronze medal.
Epoloto attributed their success to intense training while focusing on technical adjustments during matches.
"We had to go a little technical in each set," he explained.
Their approach involved analysis of matches played, identifying mistakes and working on them.
"We treated every team with respect and crafted a unique plan for each opponent," Epoloto emphasised.
"This tailored approach, combined with timely substitutions, proved crucial. Adjustments at key times were important and worked for us."
He praised his players for teamwork.
"When we embrace teamwork, success follows," he remarked. "All the players have done well in their roles, bringing out unity of purpose."
Learning from mistakes and maintaining a forward-looking perspective has been central to their strategy.
"We always rectify our errors before the next match," Epoloto said.
And now that they have one hand on the trophy, he observed: "We need our title back. We have to do something to get it."
He is impressed with how the season has panned out — a significant personal milestone for him.
Epoloto was impressed by his players, especially centre Emmanuel Kogo, left-attacker Bonfentry Mukekhe and opposite-hitter Joshua Kimani.
They will stick to their usual lineup for the final.
"My team remains intact. No one is going out yet and I don’t have plans to bring in fresh blood," said Epoloto, even as he praised their fans for pushing them to the top. "We always do our best for our fans."
