School Games: Kwanthanze, Namwela Crowned East Africa Champions, Koyonzo Wins Gold
On the final day of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (Feasssa) Games at PSVF Karubanda grounds in Huye, Rwanda, Kwanthanze Secondary School defeated Kesogon Secondary School 3-2 in the final to retain their East Africa volleyball girl’s crown.
This was their fifth consecutive regional title and seventh overall. The never-ending rivalry between the two Kenyan teams played out once again in a thrilling five-set final in which the African champions prevailed with set scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-18,23-25, and 15-13.
Kesogon, who dethroned Kwanthanze as national champions a fortnight ago in Kakamega, were determined to complete a double over their archrivals. They won the first set 25-22 before the Justin Kigwari-led Kwanthanze side rallied to take the second set 25-21.
The national champions then capitalized on Kwanthanze’s poor reception and unforced errors to win the third set, 25-18. However, needing only to win the fourth set to claim their first regional championship, coach Kigwari made two substitutions, and his players responded by winning the fourth set, 25-23.
In the thrilling deciding set, Kwanthanze controlled the neck-and-neck moment oozing to a 15-13 victory to retain their title while casting a wrench into Kesogon’s bid for their first-ever East Africa championship.
Their stellar rivalry has captivated school volleyball in recent years, and one of the East African’s most enduring battles was inevitable at Huye after the two heavyweights won their respective semi-finals in straight sets to set up a match that lived up to its reputation.
It was the second time in as many years that these two teams met in the East Africa final, with Kwanthanze prevailing both times. However, Kesogon ended Kwanthanze’s reign at the national level with a 3-1 victory in the final.
Namwela defeated Uganda’s Namugongo Vocational School 3-1 in sets to claim their first-ever regional championship. Intriguingly, they had placed third at the nationals, behind Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School and Andersen Secondary School, both of which had been eliminated in the group stage.
In rugby 7s, Koyonzo won gold for Kenya with a 21-0 victory over compatriots Vihiga on Saturday, while newcomers Kitondo School placed fourth after losing in the semifinals to Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School.
St. Mary’s Kisubi were crowned champions, with Butula Boys and St. Anthony’s Kitale settling for silver and bronze, as Uganda maintained their hold on the rugby 15s competition. All Saints came in fourth place.
New Sports Academy Aims to Identify and Nurture Local Talent
A plan to establish a volleyball sports academy in Marsabit County has been finalized in an effort to identify young talent and improve their physical fitness.
Joseph Katelo, chairman of the Marsabit branch of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, has stated that he will sponsor the inauguration of the academy in order to cultivate the region’s abundant youth talent.
During the final match of a three-day Sora-Katelo inter-location volleyball tournament held on the Marsabit Moi girls high school playground, Katelo stated that the academy would be able to engage a large number of youths, including students during vacations, who are susceptible to drug and substance abuse.
In addition to addressing the issue of unemployment, he stated that the local youth’s abundance of talent could be utilized to assist endowed individuals in pursuing a career in sports.
Katelo stated that the initiative is also aimed at preventing girls from being subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) during the holiday season, adding that the formation of volleyball organizations within the sub-county will be ideal for catering to out-of-school youths.
He added that the Sora Katelo Foundation and Strengthening Pastoralists Actions for Change and Empowerment (SPACE) organizations would be instrumental in establishing the much-desired volleyball academy.
Qachacha Senior defeated Police Lines team 3-0 in the finals to win the Soral Katelo inter-location volleyball tournament for Marsabit Central sub-county, which was organized by the local volleyball federation branch.
The winners walked away with ‘gold’ medals for every participant, a trophy, and a Sh15,000 prize.
Each participant on the Police lines received’silver’ medals, a trophy, and Sh10,000.
The second-placed Karare team received Sh5,000, a trophy, and ‘bronze’ medals.
Twelve teams participated in the tournament, and the Sora Katelo Foundation provided each with a volleyball net and mikasa ball.
School Games: Kwanthanze, Namwela Crowned East Africa Champions, Koyonzo Wins Gold