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Equity Bank coach Owino confident ahead of KVF league third leg

Equity Bank v Vihiga County

Equity Bank players celebrate a point during their Kenya Volleyball Federation National League match against Vihiga County at Nyayo Stadium indoor gymnasium on February 11, 2023. 

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Equity, currently ranked third in the standings with 12 points from six matches, will face unbeaten former champions General Service Unit (GSU) in one of the seven scheduled matches.
  • Owino, who took over from veteran coach Sammy Kirongo last year, is optimistic that his side can build on their recent success at the Kipchumba Karori International tournament in Eldoret, where they stunned pre-tournament favorites to lift the title.

After a shaky start to the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men’s National League, Equity Bank coach Patrick Owino believes his team has now steadied the ship as they prepare for the third leg, set to take place from Thursday to Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium indoor gymnasium and outdoor courts in Nairobi.

Equity, currently ranked third in the standings with 12 points from six matches, will face unbeaten former champions General Service Unit (GSU) in one of the seven scheduled matches.

Owino, who took over from veteran coach Sammy Kirongo last year, is optimistic that his side can build on their recent success at the Kipchumba Karori International tournament in Eldoret, where they stunned pre-tournament favorites to lift the title.

The Bankers defeated Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 3-2 in the final at Eldoret National Polytechnic in December.

“We are third in the league, but look at our points. We didn’t begin the season well, but I believe we have now settled, and we want to push for more wins as the season progresses. We have won three matches and lost three. Our upcoming fixtures are tough and unpredictable, but we are hoping for the best,” said Owino, who also serves as the national men’s beach volleyball coach.

Equity will then face Kenya Airport Police Unit on Friday, before wrapping up their weekend fixtures against Administration Police of Kenya on Sunday.

GSU coach Gideon Tarus has emphasised the importance of every match as his team looks to reclaim the league title.

“We are unbeaten in the league, and we hope to build on that. Every match is important, and our goal is to qualify for the playoffs and take it from there,” said Tarus.

Defending champions Kenya Prisons, who lead the standings with 17 points from six matches, will take on Western Prisons.

Second-placed KPA, also with 12 points from five matches, will not be in action on Thursday but will face Nairobi Prisons on Friday.

At the bottom of the table, winless National Youth Service (NYS) and Mt. Kenya Base Yetu will be searching for their first victories of the season. NYS, who are third from bottom, have played two matches, while Base Yetu have played four.