Pipeline, KCB set for epic semi-final showdown

Pipeline secured their semi-final spot after a dominant 3-0 win (25-5, 25-18, 25-11) over Nairobi Prisons during the quarter-finals at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium on Saturday.

KCB, on the other hand, brushed aside Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with a similar 3-0 scoreline (25-22, 25-13, 25-13).

Omondi, who also serves as head coach of the national women’s team, Malkia Strikers, anticipates a tough match against KCB.

“The quarter-final is now water under the bridge and our focus is on the semi-finals which will be tough and tricky, but we are determined to play and qualify for the finals,” said Omondi.

Kenya Prisons reached the semis after sweeping Kenya Army 3-0 (25-18, 25-9, 25-14), while DCI dispatched Nairobi Water 3-0 (25-8, 25-19, 25-12) in their respective quarter-final matches.

Kenya Prisons coach Josp Barasa highlighted their focus heading into the playoffs.

“It will be a tough match but we hope to emerge winners to book a place in the finals and eventually reclaim the title. We will continue training at the Ulinzi Complex in Lang’ata as our matches will be played indoor. We completed the regular season on top and we hope to extend the good run in the play-offs,” said Barasa, the former Malkia Strikers assistant coach.

DCI coach Patrick Sang emphasized the importance of taking one match at a time.

“Anything can happen at the semi-finals stage and therefore we will not be overconfident after we beat Pipeline in the last match of the regular season last Sunday. We will rest on Monday and begin training on Tuesday as we want to seal all the loopholes ahead of the semis,” said Sang.

KCB coach Japheth Munala noted the rising competitiveness of the league.

“Teams have improved this season. KDF gave us good competition in the quarter-finals and I know the more we move closer to the title, the tougher it will become.

Everyone is eyeing the title and it will go down to who has done his or her homework well. We are the defending champions and we are keen to defend it,” said Munala.

Surprise package

Equity Bank will be the surprise package in the men’s semi-final play-offs, after they eliminated regular contenders Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a thrilling quarter-final series.

Equity staged a remarkable comeback to edge out KDF 3-2 (22-25, 29-27, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13) in a dramatic game three decider played on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre indoor arena in Kasarani. The win sealed the best-of-three series in Equity's favour.

KDF had taken an early advantage with a 3-1 victory in game one on Friday, but Equity responded with a 3-2 win in game two on Saturday to force a decider.

In the semi-finals, Equity will face former champions General Service Unit (GSU), while Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), who saw off Trailblazers, will clash with defending champions Kenya Prisons in the other last-four match—both series will be played in a best-of-three format.

Equity coach Jack Miduma warned GSU not to underestimate his team.

“We are not an easy opponent. We have worked hard to get here and we want to prove our presence in the semis, and if all goes well, we want to qualify for the final. We have our target and we hope that at the end of it all, we will finish at the podium,” said Miduma.

Reflecting on the team’s growth this season, Miduma added:

“Last season we finished seventh and to qualify for the semi-final this season is just a reflection of the hard work we have put in the regular season. We began the season on a poor note and I’m happy we recovered and we will now be playing in the last four. But one thing is for sure, we will give GSU a run for their money.”