NAIROBI – Debutants Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (Eldowas) announced their arrival in Kenya's top-flight volleyball league with a stunning 3-2 victory over giants Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in a nail-biting encounter on Monday, 10 November 2025, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The Eldoret-based team, playing their fourth match in the 2025-2026 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Men’s National League, clinched a memorable win against last season's silver medalists after a grueling five-set battle. The victory marks a historic first for the club in the premier league, injecting new energy and unpredictability into the season.

A Five-Set Thriller

The match was a dramatic, see-saw affair from the first serve. The more experienced KPA side, widely seen as favourites, initially took control, winning the first set 25-19. However, Eldowas, who were promoted after finishing second in the Division Two League in July 2025, demonstrated immense resilience. They fought back tenaciously to claim an extended second set 29-27, leveling the match and signaling their intent.

Buoyed by their comeback, Eldowas held their nerve in another tightly contested third set, snatching it 28-26 to take a 2-1 lead. The Mombasa-based dockers, stung by the spirited challenge, responded emphatically in the fourth set with a dominant 25-11 win, forcing a decisive fifth set. In the final set, Eldowas regrouped and showcased remarkable composure, triumphing 15-11 to seal the historic upset.

Resilience After a Tough Start

This landmark victory was a significant turnaround for Eldowas, who had a difficult start to their top-flight campaign. The team had previously lost three consecutive matches, including narrow 3-2 defeats to Administration Police (AP) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and a straight-sets loss to Kenya Prisons.

Eldowas coach, Mathias Kosgei, lauded his team's performance and fighting spirit. "I thank my boys for a good display. When we started, we lost narrowly to AP Kenya and KDF, though Kenya Prisons totally overpowered us," Kosgei stated after the match. He revealed that the team's initial goal for the first leg was to secure at least one win, a target they have now spectacularly achieved against one of the league's powerhouses.

Implications for the League

The result is more than just a single win; it represents a potential disruption of the established order in Kenyan men's volleyball, which has long been dominated by institutional teams like General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Prisons, and KPA. The emergence of a competitive team from Uasin Gishu County, a region renowned for athletics, is a significant development for the sport's geographical diversity and talent pool in Kenya.

For KPA, coached by former Kenyan international James Ontere, the loss is an early-season setback. Having entered the weekend unbeaten after victories over Trailblazers and Rift Valley Prisons, this defeat will force them to reassess their approach against the league's newcomers. The weekend was filled with surprising results, including defending champions GSU losing to Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU), suggesting a highly competitive season ahead.

As the first leg of the KVF National League concludes, Eldowas' victory has become the major talking point. Their ability to challenge and defeat a top-tier team not only boosts their own confidence but also serves as an inspiration for other newly-promoted sides, promising a thrilling and unpredictable race for the 2025-2026 title.