Tanzania Prisons retained the women’s National Volleyball League (TVNL) title after edging Bandari 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Tanzania Volleyball Federation (TVF) courts in Mwembe Yanga, Dar es Salaam.
In the men’s competition, Jeshi Stars claimed the championship after beating Bandari 3-1, bringing the national league to a competitive finish.
The women’s final went down to the wire after Tanzania Prisons appeared to be in control, winning the opening two sets. Bandari responded strongly, taking the next two sets to force a deciding fifth set.
Tanzania Prisons coach Dismas Dick credited his players’ composure in the final set for securing the title.
“The game was very difficult. We won the first two sets, but Bandari came back and levelled the match, forcing us into the fifth set,” Dick said.
He said the technical bench had to calm the players after the momentum shifted towards Bandari.
“Some of the players started thinking the game was already over. I told them to stay calm and focus on the game. They listened, played well and managed to win the fifth set,” he said.
The victory extended Tanzania Prisons’ remarkable run in the competition, with Dick saying the team has now won the title for the fifth or sixth consecutive time since the league was introduced.
“This victory means a lot to us. It is now the fifth or sixth consecutive time that we have won the TVNL since it was introduced. We are the champions,” he said.
Dick also credited the team’s leadership for creating a favourable environment for preparations, particularly by allowing the players sufficient time to train.
He said the support had helped the team maintain its competitiveness and defend the title.
Bandari coach Stallone Wilbart conceded that Tanzania Prisons handled the pressure better in the decisive set, where small mistakes can determine the outcome.
“It was a very difficult game, as you could see. Going to five sets shows how competitive it was. The fifth set is the deciding set, and the team that makes fewer mistakes is likely to win,” Wilbart said.
He said Bandari struggled to maintain its performance in the final set but praised his players for their effort throughout the match.
“I think we made mistakes in the final set, but the players gave everything they had. You cannot blame the players, and you cannot blame the coach. It is a game, and someone has to win,” he said.
Wilbart said the defeat would not discourage Bandari, promising a stronger response in future competitions.
“They have won today, but next time we will win,” he said.
He praised his players for their commitment and said the club would continue improving the squad as it prepares for the next volleyball competitions.