Kwanthanze Dominates East Africa Secondary School Games in Arusha
As the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games drew to a close in Arusha, Tanzania, Kwanthanze demonstrated that they are indeed the titans of volleyball by defeating Kesogon Secondary School to win their sixth championship.
Kwanthanze, eager to capture their fourth consecutive championship, defeated Kesogon in straight sets by scores of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-23 to defend the 2019 championship they won at the same site.
Kesogon was unable to overcome Kwanthanze, who had previously defeated them 3-1 in the national games final at Nakuru High School.
Coach Justine Kigwari of Kwanthanze stated that his team deserved to win since they fought for every point.
They fought for every point they scored and were quite remarkable.
His Kesogon counterpart, John Marani, was also pleased that his squad performed admirably in their East Africa debut.
“We did not win the title, but we take home invaluable lessons that will help us in future competitions. We leave with our heads high because winning silver on our first attempt is not a mean achievement,” Marani said.
In boys’ volleyball, the defending champions from Kenya, Cheptil Boys High School, advanced to the championship game when their Rwandan opponents, ESSA Nyarugunga, were disqualified for playing unregistered players and two more players than the permitted 12.
The match was halted with Nyarugunga leading 2-1 in the fourth set (sets). Today’s final will pit Cheptil against defending winners Standard High School of Uganda.
Rookies Highway Secondary School defeated St Mary’s Kitende, the 13-time boys’ football champion, 1-0 to go to today’s final.
The Ugandans, who seemed to believe they would have an easy time against the Kenyans after thumping Ebwali 4-0 in the preliminary round, were stunned when the Kenyans forced them to give up their title.
Humphrey Aroko’s penalty in the 49th minute was enough to earn the Nairobi champions a meeting with Kibuli Secondary School of Uganda.
Highway will try to conclude their fairytale run against Kibuli, whom they defeated 1-0 in the group round, and win Kenya’s third East Africa boys’ football championship.
They will attempt to replicate St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale and Barding High School, the two Kenyan teams to have captured the elusive time.
It will also be the first time Kenyan boys have played in the final since the 2016 games in Eldoret, when Barding defeated Kitende.
Captain of the highway Teddy Ochieng stated that their status as underdogs worked in their favor.
Because we entered the match as the underdog, our opponents underestimated us. We knew we had to be extremely strategic throughout the entire play and never give them the upper hand. It was a struggle we vowed to fight from beginning to end, and I’m glad our efforts paid off,” said Ochieng.
He attributed their achievement to meticulous planning, teamwork, and perseverance.
Kibuli defeated their Ugandan rivals Buddo Secondary School 5-3 on penalties to go to the championship match.
Kenya will have an opportunity to win both the boys’ and girls’ football championships when Wiyeta Secondary School defeated Dagoretti Mixed by a score of 3-0 in the semifinal.
Wiyeta defeated Dagoretti with goals from Edna Wanda, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Lavendar Akinyi to inch closer to recovering their crown.
In the final, Wiyeta, which last won the championship in 2017 in Gulu, Uganda, will face St Noa Girls Secondary School of Uganda. In the semifinals, St Noa defeated the defending winners, Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, 2-1.
Dr. Aggrey continued their winning streak to seal their spot in the boys’ basketball championships.
They defeated Bethel Covenant of Uganda 81-67 to earn a meeting with the defending champions, Buddo.
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