Simlaw players contest a point during the KVF Division Two playoffs in Nairobi./HANDOUT
Promoted sides Simlaw and Bunge have turned their attention to building competitive squads for next season's Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League, with both clubs outlining ambitious plans to strengthen their teams ahead of their return to the country's top-flight volleyball competition.
The two teams secured promotion after reaching the KVF Division Two playoff final at Nyayo Stadium, where Simlaw recovered from a set down to beat Bunge 3-1 (18-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21) and lift the Division Two title. Their top-two finish guaranteed automatic promotion to the National League for the 2026/27 season.
With the celebrations behind them, both clubs have shifted focus to the challenge of competing against the country's established volleyball powerhouses, acknowledging that survival and consistency in the elite league will require careful planning on and off the court.
Simlaw head coach Collins Odongo said the club is already working on strengthening the squad to ensure it can compete effectively in the National League.
"We are humbled that next season we will compete in the top tier. We have worked hard to get here and finally our efforts have paid off. We are aware that the National League will not be a walk in the park, but we are equally ready for it. We will plan our training programme well and recruit players who can help us compete at that level," said Odongo.
Bunge head coach Gideon Chenje echoed similar sentiments, saying the club intends to build on the momentum that earned promotion while addressing areas that need improvement.
"We are grateful to the management for the support they have accorded us and we hope they will continue backing the team. We also plan to play more friendly matches to sharpen our weak areas. We worked our way up from 14th place to finish second, and we want to carry that same spirit into the National League," said Chenje.
Elsewhere, The Beast wrapped up their Division Two campaign on a positive note by defeating Kenya Air Force 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-16, 30-28) to finish third in the playoffs.
Under KVF regulations, the top two teams from the Division Two playoffs earn promotion to the National League, replacing the bottom two sides from the top tier.
For Simlaw and Bunge, attention now turns to assembling squads capable of not only surviving but also establishing themselves among Kenya's elite volleyball clubs when the new season gets underway.
