School Games: Kwanthanze, Namwela crowned East Africa volleyball champions

The never-ending rivalry between the two Kenyan sides unfolded yet again with the close-call final serving up an engrossing five-setter ending in favour of the African champions with swing sets of 22-25, 25-21, 25-18,23-25 and 15-13.

Kesogon, who dethroned Kwanthanze as the national champions a fortnight ago in Kakamega, were determined to complete a double over their arch-rivals and they were off the blocks in the first set with a 25-22 win before the Justin Kigwari-led side regrouped to capture the second set 25-21.

The national champions then capitalized on Kwanthanze’s poor reception and unforced errors to claim the third set in 25-18 but needing only to win the fourth set to lift their maiden regional title, and Kwanthanze first six thrown into disarray and confidence falling, coach Kigwari made two changes and his charges clicked to win the fourth set 25-23.

In the breathtaking decider set, Kwanthanze controlled the neck-to-neck moment oozing to a 15-13 victory to retain their title while throwing a spanner in the works for the Kesogon’s would be first ever title at the East Africa stage.

Their stellar rivalry has enthralled school volleyball in the recent years, and one of the East African most enduring battles was inevitable at Huye after the two heavyweights had recorded straight sets wins in their respective semi-finals to set up a showdown which lived to its billing.

This was the second time in as many years the two sides collided in the East Africa final with Kwanthanze reigning supreme in both occasions but Kesogon ended their dominance at the national level following a 3-1 sets triumph in the final.

In the boy’s affair, Namwela saw off Uganda’s Namugongo Vocational School 3-1 sets to win their first ever regional title. Interestingly, they had finished third in the nationals behind Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School and Andersen Secondary School, who exited in the group stages.

In rugby 7s, Koyonzo gave Kenya gold following a resounding 21-0 victory against compatriots Vihiga on Saturday while newcomers Kitondo School finished fourth after losing to Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School in the playoffs.

However, Uganda refused to relinquish their grip on the rugby 15s version as St. Mary’s Kisubi were crowned champions while Butula Boys and St. Anthony’s Kitale settled for silver and bronze. All Saints finished fourth.