Kwanthanze Secondary School displayed their unwavering resilience on Sunday, overcoming national heartache to clinch their fifth successive East Africa volleyball girl’s crown.
In a gripping final match at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games held at PSVF Karubanda grounds in Huye, Rwanda, Kwanthanze Secondary School prevailed over familiar opponents Kesogon Secondary School with a nail-biting 3-2 sets victory.
This triumph marked their seventh regional title overall. In a showdown that epitomized the enduring rivalry between these two Kenyan powerhouses, the final unfolded as a thrilling five-setter.
The sets oscillated with scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, and 15-13, ultimately favouring the African champions, Kwanthanze. Kesogon, having recently dethroned Kwanthanze as national champions in Kakamega, surged ahead by claiming the first set with a score of 25-22.
However, Kwanthanze regrouped under the leadership of Justin Kigwari to capture the second set with a 25-21 victory. The momentum shifts continued, as the national champions capitalized on Kwanthanze’s lapses in reception and unforced errors to secure the third set at 25-18.
With their maiden regional title within reach, Kesogon aimed to wrap it up in the fourth set, but Kwanthanze mounted a comeback, taking the set 25-23. The climactic decider set witnessed an intense neck-and-neck battle, with Kwanthanze ultimately prevailing 15-13.
This victory allowed Kwanthanze to retain their title while thwarting Kesogon’s aspirations for their first-ever East Africa championship. This epic rivalry has enthralled the school volleyball scene in recent years, and their monumental clash in Huye was no exception.
Both teams had secured straight-set wins in their respective semi-finals, setting the stage for a showdown that lived up to its immense anticipation. In the boys’ division, Namwela emerged victorious by defeating Uganda’s Namugongo Vocational School with a 3-1 set triumph, securing their inaugural regional title.
Interestingly, Namwela had previously finished third in the nationals, trailing behind Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School and Andersen Secondary School.
In rugby 7s, Koyonzo clinched gold for Kenya with a commanding 21-0 victory against fellow compatriots Vihiga on Saturday.
Meanwhile, newcomers Kitondo School secured fourth place after a loss to Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School in the playoffs.
In the rugby 15s category, Uganda retained their dominance as St. Mary’s Kisubi claimed the championship. Butula Boys and St. Anthony’s Kitale took home silver and bronze, respectively, while All Saints settled for fourth place.
