DCI eye strong finish as teams make last push for play-offs slots

**DCI’s Peninah Nafula in their match against Kenya Pipeline Volleyball club during the KVF National league 1st Leg, Women at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on February 26, 2023.** [File, Standard]

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are hoping for a brilliant finish to the 2024-2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Women’s National League season.

The sleuths will fire from all cylinders as they seek maximum points in their remaining three matches from tomorrow at the Nyayo Volleyball court. Victory in their last three encounters will see the Jeremiah Mukopi-coached side finish in the top four.

However, they will have to be at their best to snatch points from their opponents who are also top contenders for the title.

Mukopi’s first objective after taking up the job last year was to finish the regular season among the top teams and this target is well within his reach. DCI are currently fourth on the table with 18 points from six wins and a loss.

The tactician said that they will go all out in the three encounters because they will be facing tough opponents.

“There is no easy match because all our opponents are strong. However, we have prepared well because being a league we knew that we will have to play them at some point and so we are ready,” Mukopi said.

They will be hoping to down former champions Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline in their last two ties on Saturday and Sunday.

Mukopi’s charges will face a tough test against the two sides having already lost to defending champions KCB Bank. The sleuths have always been outclassed by the wardresses and the oilers and will be hoping to turn the tables.

However, before taking on the big two they will have to face off past the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who have also had a fare season. Tomorrow, they will clash with KDF who are currently sixth on the table with 12 points.

“We just have to be at our best because even KDF will be fighting to secure their place in the top eight. Being the last matches, there is no room for mistakes because all teams will be eyeing points,” Mukopi added.

Against KCB, they put up a spirited fight ensuring that the bankers worked harder for victory even though they eventually lost 3-1(25-15, 22-25, 25-13, 25-19). They are tied on 18 points with Kenya Prisons who they play on Saturday. They are five points adrift second placed KCB and seven less than leaders Kenya Pipeline who they clash with in their last match this Sunday.

The battle for the top spots is still on with both Kenya Prisons and DCI having an equal chance of finishing in the top three. The two have all won six and lost one and having three matches at hand. The team that utilises their remaining matches will better their chances of the top three finish.