By OUR CORRESPONDENT
General Service Unit Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Gideon Tarus is the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for the month of July.
Tarus guided GSU men’s volleyball team to reclaiming the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League title last month at the Moi International Sport Centre Kasarani indoor arena.
Following his stellar performance, Coach Tarus was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector as a sign of respect for his achievements in the KVF competition. The former Kenya Wafalme Stars coach was an Inspector before the promotion.
GSU won the League title in 2023 and replicated the feat in 2025 serving up great moments ahead for the team currently enjoying top form.
On their way up, National champions GSU beat KAPU 3-1 (28-26, 26-28, 25-15, 25-17) in quarter-finals on July 6 before making light work of Kenya Prisons by thrashing them 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-20) in the semi-finals on July 12.
GSU rallied from a two-set deficit to beat Kenya Defence Forces 3-2 (22-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-17, 15-12) to win inaugural Kenya Cup at Kasarani on July 13.
To win the July gong, Coach Tarus beat coach Japheth Munala (who for the second month running occupied the second position) and Willis Ojal, Strathmore University Rugby team coach.
Tarus was emotional after receiving the Betika sponsored monthly award.
“I wish to express gratitude and admiration for the team’s hard work and dedication which paid off in the long run, it was a tough League, but we won as a team. Resilience and patience, was our buzzwords and am chuffed to be named the best coach countrywide, it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Betika Head of Marketing Mr. Japheth Akhulia on his part congratulated Tarus for a great run and in particular his exploits in the month of July.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our July winner Coach Tarus for his great effort and performance. His dedication, hard work, and talent have paid off, making his achievements in the month of July truly extraordinary. Tarus has proven that hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset can truly pay off. As a Corporate, we are proud to be associated with sports personalities who make the difference and inspire young athletes to go the extra mile.” said Mr. Akhulia.
SJAK President James Waindi also congratulated the GSU tactician for his exploits on the court.
“The monthly coaches award was introduced to shore up team spirit and ensure people who motivate and guide the playing unit are also recognized. We have always laid much emphasis on players forgetting that tacticians also have a pivotal role in molding the success story by and large. The Betika sponsored monthly award rewards excellence while also whipping up the enthusiasm of coaches across the country.”
