Kwanthanze and Kesogon Reach Semifinals in the East Africa Secondary School Games
Five-time East Africa Secondary School Games volleyball champions Kwanthanze and newcomers Kesogon secured berths in the semifinals with a game to spare after victories on Monday, the tournament’s fourth day in Arusha, Tanzania.
Kwanthanze, undefeated since the return of inter-school tournaments in July, defeated Hilton High School of Uganda in straight sets (25-19, 25-16, 25-18) to top pool ‘B’ with six points after a similar victory against Katikamu, also from Uganda, last Friday.
Another Kenyan team Kesogon Mixed Secondary School defeated Kajunjumele Secondary School 3-0 (25-20, 25-8, 25-12) to take the lead in pool ‘A’ with six points prior to Tuesday’s final preliminary match.
In the final group matches, Kesogon will look to retain their unblemished record and finish first in their pool when they face IPRC Rwanda, who have also won two consecutive games.
In the penultimate group ‘B’ match, Kwanthanze’s head coach Justin Kigwari desired a victory over Tanzania’s Mkalapa to prepare for the semifinals.
“By reaching the semi final, we’ve the battle but the war is far from over. We must finish the group matches with nine points.
“This will give us confidence as we head to Thursday’s semis. We’re improving day by day and despite the long period of inactivity occasioned by Covid-19 my players seem not to relent,” said Kigwari, who has helped the Machakos-based team win four consecutive regional title
However, on the revival of regional inter-school games, certain Kenyan teams have struggled to find their footing, prompting the famed coach to voice concern.
“Our opponents did not stop training even after the Covid-19 pandemic struck, but in Kenya we put everything on the back burner.
“The effect is evident, and many giants are either unexpectedly falling by wayside or not punching equal to their weight.
“This also came up during the nationals and I believe we need to put some extra efforts to regain our momentum,” he added.
Hospital Hill of Kenya advanced to the semifinals in boys’ handball after defeating Kilombero Secondary School of Tanzania 22-17 in their last pool “A” match.
The result places them in second place in the pool, four points behind the first-place team, Adegi Secondary School of Rwanda.
Kwanthanze and Kesogon Reach Semifinals in the East Africa Secondary School Games
