Chema Volleyball Club head coach Jeremiah Mukopi has rallied his players ahead of the National First Tier Volleyball League final against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), scheduled for Friday, July 17, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Indoor Arena, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Speaking to Radio Generation on Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium basketball court, Mukopi admitted that his side are newcomers at this level but insisted they are not intimidated by the experienced KPA outfit despite the history between the two teams.
"We have been consistent so far, and that's why we are in the final. I just need my boys to keep their heads up and go for it. A first national league title is all we need, and I believe we can achieve it," said Mukopi.
The tactician noted that the two sides have already developed a competitive rivalry.
"We beat them during the Genocide Cup in Rwanda in June this year, they beat us in the league this season, and remember we had also defeated them during the Kipchumba Karori International Volleyball Tournament," he said.
Mukopi added that the July 17 clash will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs.
Chema Volleyball Club, based in Juja, Kiambu County, earned promotion from Division Two to the National First Tier League this season and have enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign.
"We had a clear plan from the beginning. The most important thing was how professionally the players responded, and that is reflected in our results," Mukopi said.
In their maiden First Tier season, Chema reached the playoff semi-finals, where they stunned experienced side Kenya Prisons 3-1 at Kasarani last Sunday to secure a historic place in the final.
The Juja-based club now has just over a week to prepare for the title decider against the Dockers from the Coast in what promises to be a classic David versus Goliath contest. With history within reach, Chema will be hoping to cap off a dream season by lifting their first-ever National First Tier Volleyball League title.