Kenya Ports Authority are the new champions of the Paul Bitok tournament after thrashing Kenya Prisons 3-1 sets to emerge champions at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The Mombasa side crushed the former Kenya Volleyball Federation National Men’s league champions in sets of 25-21, 23-25, 25-21 and 25-18 to win the tourney.
The games were played 22nd June following the death of former KVF president Waithaka Kioni which occurred on April 9.
KPA had defeated Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-1 sets in the semi-finals played earlier on Thursday while Prisons edged Trail Blazers 3-0 to book the final ticket.
Speaking to Pearl Radio, Bitok said the games have grown to an international status with a vision of developing talents across the world.
“Our vision of this tournament is to expose our players to play international league. The league began in Simat village where we were playing each other and I never thought it would be this big.”
On asked why the female sides were not playing their semis at the same time with the boys, Paul Bitok responded that the girls will be away for the continental games but will play the finals the tournament in August.
“Also the women sides have reached semi finals, but because the Malkia strikers are full gear for preparations of the challenger cup in France and the Africa cup of Nations in Cameroon, the game will be played late August. So we will have the women tournament once we ae out of the Morocco.” Bikok stated
KPA team have walked away with a cash price of one hundred thousand Kenya Shillings.