GSU in action against Equity during their quarter final match./HANDOUT
Champions General Service Unit’s (GSU) player of the match against Equity Bank, Victor Kipkemei, has challenged his teammates to maintain their focus as they target to retain the Mozzart Kenya Cup title.
GSU booked a semi-final berth by sweeping the bankers in straight sets of 25-22, 25-17, 25-19 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Kipkemei attributed the victory to strong teamwork and tactical discipline.
“What worked for us was teamwork and following the coach’s instructions. We stayed focused from the first set to the last, and that helped us get the result,” said Kipkemei.
Looking ahead, Kipkemei expects a tougher challenge in the next round but remains confident in his team’s capabilities:
“The semi-finals will be different because every team that has reached this stage is strong. We have to maintain the same fighting spirit, correct our mistakes, and come back stronger.”
He added that GSU are using the knockout competition to make amends for their domestic campaign:
“The Kenya Cup is a different competition from the league. Our target is to go all the way and win the trophy. We have learned from our league performances, and we want to show improvement by performing better here.”
In other quarter-final action, Kenya Prisons also secured a spot in the last four after easing past Administration Police (APK) 3-0 in a dominant display (25-18, 25-16, and 25-13).
Meanwhile, Chema Volleyball Club completed another quarter-final sweep, defeating Kenya Aviation Polytechnic (KAPU) 25-20, 25-15, and 25-15. Chema setter Stephen Otieno was named Player of the Match and rewarded with a new pair of sports shoes.
In the women’s tournament, holders KCB seek to keep their Kenya Cup title defense on track when they face perennial rivals Kenya Prisons in a marquee semi-final at Kasarani on Saturday at 12 pm.
The clash headlines the three-day tournament—running from July 24 to 26—and comes just weeks after the two sides battled in a thrilling KVF National League playoff series at the same venue.
KCB head coach Japheth Munala acknowledged the stern test ahead: “Kenya Prisons remain one of the toughest teams in the country, and every meeting between us demands discipline, resilience, and character. We have prepared well, the players understand what is at stake, and we are determined to give our best to reach the final.”
The bankers will be forced to reshuffle their squad after experienced middle blocker Edith Wisa and Mildred Cherop were ruled out of the tournament.
Despite the squad changes, captain Mercy Moim noted that the team is ready for the high-stakes encounter.
"Matches against Kenya Prisons are always competitive because both teams know each other well," she said. "We have worked hard in training to correct our recent mistakes, and everyone is motivated. We know it won’t be easy, but we are ready to fight for every point.”
KCB are the defending champions, having lifted the inaugural women’s title on July 13, 2025, following a 3-0 victory over Kenya Pipeline.
The other women’s semi-final features Kenya Pipeline against the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Pipeline head into the tie as favourites following a dominant quarter-final performance, while DCI will be aiming to pull off an upset and secure a maiden final appearance.
