School Games: Kwanthanze and Namwela Secure East Africa Championships, Koyonzo Claims Gold
During the concluding day of the Feasssa Games at the PSVF Karubanda grounds in Huye, Rwanda, Kwanthanze Secondary School emerged victorious in the East Africa volleyball girl’s championship by defeating Kesogon Secondary School 3-2 in the final match.
This marked their fifth consecutive regional win and seventh overall. The intense rivalry between these two Kenyan teams played out once again in a gripping five-set final. The African champions secured victory with set scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, and 15-13.
Kesogon, who recently took over as national champions from Kwanthanze, aimed to secure a double victory over their rivals. They claimed the initial set 25-22, but Kwanthanze’s Justin Kigwari-led team rebounded to secure the second set 25-21.
Capitalizing on Kwanthanze’s mistakes and reception issues, the national champions triumphed in the third set with a score of 25-18. Despite the pressure to win the fourth set, which would have earned them their first regional title, Kwanthanze made strategic substitutions and managed to win the set 25-23.
In the thrilling final set, Kwanthanze emerged victorious with a 15-13 score, successfully retaining their title and thwarting Kesogon’s pursuit of their inaugural East Africa championship.
The ongoing fierce rivalry between these teams has greatly fascinated the school volleyball scene, leading to an inevitable clash at Huye. Their semi-final wins in straight sets set the stage for a match that lived up to its reputation.
This marked the second consecutive year that these two teams met in the East Africa final, with Kwanthanze prevailing on both occasions. However, Kesogon ended Kwanthanze’s national reign with a 3-1 victory in the final.
Namwela secured their first regional championship by defeating Uganda’s Namugongo Vocational School 3-1 in sets. Interestingly, they had finished third at the nationals, trailing behind Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School and Andersen Secondary School, both of which were eliminated in the group stage.
In rugby 7s, Koyonzo clinched gold for Kenya with a 21-0 win over fellow countrymen Vihiga. Newcomers Kitondo School secured fourth place after a semi-final loss to Uganda’s
St. Mary’s Kisubi emerged as champions in rugby, while Butula Boys and St. Anthony’s Kitale settled for silver and bronze. Uganda maintained their dominance in rugby 15s, with All Saints securing fourth place.
A Novel Sports Academy Aims to Identify and Cultivate Local Talent
An initiative to establish a volleyball sports academy in Marsabit County has been finalized to recognize young talent and enhance their physical fitness.
Joseph Katelo, chair of the Marsabit branch of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, has confirmed his sponsorship to launch the academy, intending to nurture the region’s abundant youth talent.
During the final match of the three-day Sora-Katelo inter-location volleyball tournament held at Marsabit Moi Girls High School playground, Katelo expressed that the academy could engage numerous youths, including students during breaks, who might otherwise be vulnerable to substance abuse.
Also Read:Â Ministry to Convert Schools into Sports Academies, Increase Number of teams in East African Secondary Games
In addition to addressing unemployment, he emphasized that the region’s ample youth talent could be harnessed to support gifted individuals in pursuing sports careers.
The initiative also aims to prevent girls from being subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) during holidays. Katelo noted that establishing volleyball organizations within the sub-county would cater to out-of-school youth.
He mentioned that the Sora Katelo Foundation and Strengthening Pastoralists Actions for Change and Empowerment (SPACE) organizations would play crucial roles in establishing the much-needed volleyball academy.
Qachacha Senior secured victory in the Sora Katelo inter-location volleyball tournament for Marsabit Central sub-county by defeating the Police Lines team 3-0 in the finals. The tournament was organized by the local volleyball federation branch.
The winners received ‘gold’ medals for each participant, a trophy, and a prize of Sh15,000. Participants from Police Lines received ‘silver’ medals, a trophy, and Sh10,000.
The second-placed Karare team received Sh5,000, a trophy, and ‘bronze’ medals.
A total of twelve teams participated in the tournament, and each was provided with a volleyball net and a Mikasa ball by the Sora Katelo Foundation.
School Games: Kwanthanze and Namwela Secure East Africa Championships, Koyonzo Claims Gold
