GSU, Kenya Pipeline Win Hon. Arthur Odera Open Volley in Malaba
Kenya Volleyball League giants General Service Unit (GSU) and Kenya Pipeline are the champions of the 13th edition of Hon Arthur Odera Volleyball Open tournament that came to an end this evening at Malaba stadium in Teso North Sub county, Busia County.
In the finals, graced by Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma, GSU who are also the tournament’s defending champions after lifting the trophy in the 12th edition of the competition in July 2019, eased past their arch-rivals and league champions Kenya Prisons with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-22) score line in one of the closely contested encounters of the event.
Enroute to the finals, GSU defeated KPA in 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-23) in the first semi-final while defending KVF national league champions Kenya Prisons saw off Administration Police 3-1(25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22).
GSU coach Gideon Tarus lauded his players for keenly applying his tactics to win retain the competition’s trophy.
“My boys played well but its still work in progress. I have identified few mistakes that we are going to work on to improve on our performance,” he said.
His counterpart for Prisons Denis Mokua said the match was good only that few mistakes cost them crucial sets.
“We accept the results and our focus now shifts to the fourth leg of the league. The tournament offered us valuable lesson that we will apply in our next matches, “he said.
In the men’s playoffs, APK saw off KPA 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-14) to finish third.
In the Senior women finals Kenya Pipeline silenced Kenya Prisons 3-1 (25-22, 25-20 21-25,25-18) to lift the gong.
Earlier in the semis, Kenya Prisons had defeated KDF 3-0 (25-7, 25-6, 25-15) to set up a crunchy final against Pipeline who overpowered Nairobi Prisons with a similar score of 3-0 (25-12, 25-6, 25-15).
Meanwhile, Sikri defeated Anderson 3-1 in the schools finals for boys while Kesogon won the girls category posting a 3-0 win against Bishop Sulumeti.
Following their exploits, winners bagged Kshs. 100,000, runners up kshs. 60,000 and third place finishers Kshs. 40,000.
Dr Otuoma promised to rehabilitate Malaba stadium to enable the venue host competitive matches.
Focus now shifts to Accra All-African games where KVF President Charles Nyaberi named a provisional national team that will represent the country in both beach and indoor volleyball games.
The 13th edition of the games will commence from Mar 8th to 23rd 2024 in Ghana.
Post Author
