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3d agoTONY MBALLABig-read
Kenya Prisons head coach Josp Barasa is confident in his side’s ability to maintain top spot at this weekend’s Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women’s national league play-offs.
He believes they have what it takes to stage a strong finish. “We’ve worked hard all season to get here. Now it’s about consistency and staying focused under pressure,” Barasa said.
His charges are top of the standings with 27 points from nine wins and a loss in 10 matches. Second-placed Kenya Pipeline are also on nine wins but two points adrift.
KCB are third with 26 points from eight wins and two losses, while DCI complete the top four with 24 points after winning eight of their 10 matches. Prisons are among eight teams expected to battle in the best-of-three-series playoffs set for Nyayo Stadium from Friday through Sunday.
Others are Pipeline, champions KCB, DCI, Post Bank, KDF, Nairobi Prisons, Kenya Army and Vihiga.
Despite a walkover win over Vihiga and a hard-fought 3-1 (25-15, 25-19, 25-23) triumph over DCI in the closing matches of the regular season, Barasa remains cautious.
“We don’t underrate anyone. Every team here earned their place and has quality,” he said. “We must be tactically disciplined and play each set like it’s a final.
”Prisons will open their campaign against the Kenya Army, with Kenya Pipeline facing Nairobi Prisons, DCI taking on Post Bank, and KCB clashing with KDF. The winners will advance to the semifinals, where they will battle in another best-of-three contest for a place in the final.
Baraza, who was at the helm when Prisons lifted their last title in 2021, believes this is their moment to prove their doubters wrong.
“I hope that my girls will turn out in the final and reclaim our title. We lost the title in 2022 and failed again in 2023, but I am confident this will be our time to reign supreme,” said the former Malkia Strikers assistant coach.
They have the mental strength and flexibility that will be key. "Our depth allows us to adapt, something we’ve worked on this year. The players understand the stakes are determined to bring the title home,” he added.
Topping the standings gives Prisons the momentum and experience heading into the playoffs. They boast a strong defensive unit and a dynamic attack that has delivered in crucial matches.
“We want to finish what we started. The league is not just about how you start, it’s how you finish that matters,” Barasa said.
Barasa expects a competitive weekend, and all eyes will be on Prisons to see whether they can convert their regular-season dominance into championship success.
The men’s playoffs will be staged at the Kasarani Indoor gymnasium. Champions Kenya Prisons, former holders General Service Unit, Kenya Ports Authority, KDF, Equity Bank, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) and Trailblazers are in contention.
