KWANTHANZE READY FOR REGIONAL GAMES: Former champs shine in Machakos County meet

Beldine Akinyi, left, and Joyce Njeri both of Kwathanze Volleyball team try to block a shot from Winfred Nabwire, centre of Soweto Senior Academy during the Volleyball finals won by Kwathanze in the just concluded Metropolitan Secondary Schools Sports Association, MSSSA, 2013 games at Makindu High School. (19/07/13) Photo: Jonah Onyango.

Metropolitan girls’ volleyball champions Kwanthanze will lead Machakos County in hunt for glory at this year’s Metropolitan Secondary Schools Term Two B games.

The games will be held on July 13-16 at Upper Hill School. Kwanthanze retained their county title with a convincing 3-0 (25-3, 25-2, 25-2) conquest over perennial rivals Matuu Memorial.

The two-time East Africa and national champions are determined to make steady steps on their way to recovery as they seek to reclaim the titles they lost last year.

Kwanthanze coach Justin Kigwari told Feverpitch that top on their agenda is to retain the Metropolitan crown and qualify for the nationals.

“We desire to retain our titles, but our focus is on the regional games with qualification for the nationals as our main objective. Once we have the ticket to the nationals then we can strategise on how to reclaim that trophy,” Kigwari said.

Kwanthanze retained their honours without dropping a set. In the semis they beat Masinga 3-0 while Matuu dismissed ABC Mitaboni by the same margin.

In the boys contest, county champions Katangi together with losing finalists Kangundo will face an uphill task in their quest to wrestle the regional crown from city boys Hospital Hill.

Katangi were made to sweat for their victory against stubborn Kangundo in the five-set thriller grabbing the bragging rights after a 3-2 win. Muvuti beat Ikalaasa 3-2 while Masinga humbled Mitaboni 3-0 in the boys and girls third place playoffs.

Meanwhile, former regional girls football champions Matuu Memorial will be out to recapture the gong they lost to Olympic last year. The county giants who were on a mission to avenge their 2-0 loss to Mua in their preliminary match won 4-1 to lift the trophy.

Irene Nkatha, Freshia Wakonyo, Esther Mwanzia and Sheila Rono scored for the champions while Anastasia Ndile scored Mua’s consolation goal.

In the semi-finals Matuu thrashed Kathiani 5-0 while Mua edged out Wakaela 1-0 to set the finals date as well as book their tickets to the Metropolitan games.

Muvuti were also crowned boys football champions following their 2-0 win over Kimanza.

The title holders had fought to a 3-2 win over hosts Lukenya in post-match penalties after their semis match had ended in a 1-1 deadlock.

One goal is all Kimanza needed to shove Kaewa out of their way to the finals. Lukenya edged out Kaewa 1-0 to settle for the third spot.

Machakos also selected top performers in racquet games to fly the county’s flag.

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