KDF ready for league return after overcoming road accident

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) men’s volleyball team is poised for a strong return as they prepare for the third leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League.

The matches are scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2 at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium and outdoor courts in Nairobi.

KDF, who finished fourth in the league last season, faced significant adversity when some players were involved in a road accident last August. The incident occurred along the Sagana-Karatina road in Kirinyaga County when the truck transporting them lost control and hit a ditch.

The accident left some players with serious injuries, including internal bleeding, broken fingers, and the loss of teeth. They were returning from the Nyeri Mega National Volleyball Tournament at Kamukunji Grounds.

Despite the setback, the team has recovered and is eager to make their mark.

“It was a difficult moment, but we thank God we are at a better place now,” said head coach Elisha Aliwa, who also serves as the Kenya men’s national volleyball team coach. “We have resumed training, and the players are in high spirits. We are keen to collect maximum points and hopefully move up the standings, which will boost the players’ morale.”

KDF's participation in the Military Games held in Nigeria last December has been pivotal in rebuilding the team’s confidence. The squad finished second in the round-robin tournament, behind Algeria.

“Luckily, we got the chance to participate in the Military Games in Nigeria, and so mentally, the players are good,” said Aliwa. “The exposure and experience the players gained in Nigeria will be helpful as we prepare for the league matches.”

KDF has only played two matches this season and is currently ranked ninth in the 16-team league with four points.

The team lost narrowly to National League champions Kenya Prisons 3-2 before securing a victory over Equity Bank.

Aliwa acknowledges the growing competitiveness of the league this season, making it difficult to predict the top eight teams that will qualify for the playoffs.

“This season, teams are well-prepared, and there is no clear favorite. For instance, a team like Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU), who were promoted to the league last season, defeated us during the Kipchumba Karori Tournament in Eldoret last December,” said Aliwa. “We also lost to Equity Bank in the semi-final stage. This shows that this season is not a walk in the park.”

In the upcoming leg of the league, KDF will face teams that are perceived as relatively less challenging on paper, including Administrative Police of Kenya (APK), Mt. Kenya Base Yetu, Nairobi Prisons, and Rift Valley Prisons. However, Aliwa emphasizes the importance of staying focused.

“On paper, they are easy matches, but we will not underrate them,” he said. “We will take every match seriously as our end goal is to collect maximum points, finish in a respectable position at the end of the regular season, and qualify for the playoffs.”

The top eight teams at the end of the regular season will advance to the playoffs, and KDF is determined to secure their place among them.

“We are working on consistency and ensuring the players are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead,” Aliwa added.

As the team continues to rebuild and aim for glory, their resilience and determination shine through.