Volleyball: Malava Boys shine in Eldoret

Malava volleyball boys' team Cheptile Boys Volleyball Team are now dominating the game in Uasin Ngishu County. (10/08/13) Photo: Jonah Onyango

Volleyball queens Kwanthanze retained the national title as this year’s Secondary Schools National Term Two games ended at Hill School, Eldoret, yesterday.

Malava reclaimed the boys’ volleyball trophy. Kwanthanze from Eastern Region overpowered arch rivals Soweto from Nairobi 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-20) to defend their title. With victory, they bagged their fourth national title. An elated Kwanthanze captain Gladys Ekaru said that their success was as a result of hard work, dedication and determination.

“We are all committed to the team objectives. We were able to excel because of our hard work dedication and determination. Teamwork is our strength and we will keep up the fighting spirit as we seek to defend our East Africa title,” Ekaru said.

After two years of playing second fiddle, Malava won their fifth national boys’ title. Malava, who are also former East Africa champions, beat newcomers Kapkenyeloi 3-0 to reclaim the title they had last won in 2015. Malava survived an early scare as rookies Kapkenyeloi gave them a run for their money in the first set. Kapkenyeloi had everything right on their side as they enjoyed home support taking a 19-9 lead in the first set. However, Malava rallied from behind to take it 25-23.

The two sides then engaged in a neck-to-neck chase in the second set but experience worked out for Malava as they bagged it 25-21. Malava, who last won the East Africa crown in 2016, proved stronger in the final set sealing their fifth national title with a 25-19 score in their third set.

Last year’s national finalists and regional bronze medalists Cheptil came from one set down to beat debutantes Bishop Sulumeti 3-1(19-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-20). Mogonga triumphed in the boys third place playoffs against Shimoni.

East Africa defending champions Kwanthanze, Soweto and Cheptil qualified for East Africa games set for next month in Musanze, Rwanda. [Elizabeth Mburugu]