Bungoma county men and women volleyball teams were nowhere to be seen in this year’s KVF games despite being listed in the fixtures. Last year the teams struggled to finish the league with some star players calling it off the game and others continuously missing the training sessions.
Speaking to our sports desk the players said there were no preparations for the teams even during the league dates with their accommodation and allowances and food delayed.
“It was difficult especially when you play three games before taking any meal and at the back of your mind, not being sure if your allowance is there or not,” one player said.
“We come from far, train all day with no food, how do you expect us to perform?” another player questioned.
This was the only team that was getting its facilitation from the county government of Bungoma with the county sports Secretary Beryl Mutekhele stating clearly that all was done to strengthen volleyball in the county.
With this happening, General Service Unit (GSU) moved to the summit of Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men’s league for the first time this season getting two walk-overs and a win over Cooperative Bank.
The reigning national champions struggled to see off Cooperative Bank 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-1925-21) in the first match.
They were then awarded six free points without breaking a sweat which saw them leap frog Nairobi Water to first place after Bungoma County and Administration Police failed to turn up for the league games.
The nine points saw GSU move to the summit on 30 points, one shy of Water who surrendered the lead for the first time this year.
Water who only have a match against Bungoma County, also pushed their point tally to 29 after beating Mount Kenya University (MKU) by straights sets (25-11, 25-17,25-16).
The two teams are now safely in the playoff set for November 25-27 in Mombasa but former champion Kenya Prisons must not drop a set against KPA and Kenya Defence Forces next month in order to progress to the best of four.
Prisons though eased a bit of pressure off their chest with a hard fought 3-1 (25-18,25-20,20-25,25-20) win over their workmates from the Coast, Mombasa Prisons.
Despite the loss to their seniors, Mombasa Prisons stretched their point tally to 10 with a comfortable 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-22) win over varsity side, Mount Kenya University.
KPA also benefited from the absence of Bungoma County when they were awarded a walk over which pushed them to 24 points.
The same mathematical calculation is being applied in the women’s category where the absence of Bungoma helped push Nairobi Water two places up on the table.
Water’s campaign got a boost thanks to a walkover against Bungoma.
The free points plus three registered against KCB took them to third on 13. This result means that for the first time Nairobi Water will be represented by two teams in the playoffs.
Prisons and Pipeline are safe after beating KCB and Water 3-0 (25-14, 25-14,25-18) and 3-1 (23-25, 25-17,25-15,25-20) respectively.
