Volleyball: Kwanthanze and Malava inch closer to success

21.August.2017 Boniface K. and Denis L. of Cheptil, Kenyan try to block a spike from Karubanda player, Rwanda during their game in the FEASSSA games at St. Joseph's College, Layibi. Photo by Elizabeth Mburugu

Former girls' volleyball champions Kwanthanze enhanced their chances of reaching the semifinals in the ongoing Brookside East Africa Secondary School games after winning their second match yesterday at St Joseph's College Liyabi in Gulu, Uganda.

The Kenyan girls, who are seeking to reclaim the title they lost to G.S Indagaburezi of Rwanda in 2015, beat St Brigit's of Uganda 3-0 (25-6, 25-22, 25-7) in their second Group A match.

Kwanthanze coach Justine Kigwari said his girls must now to win their next match for them to be assured of a place in the last four.

"So far so good, but we still have a long way to go because we need to win our next match for us to secure a place in the semis. Nevertheless, it is a learning experience for my girls and I'm glad they are getting along quite well," Kigwari said.

Returnees Cheptil were the first Kenyan side to book their place in the semis after they completed three wins on the trot in girls' Group A. Cheptil, who are known for their fighting spirits, beat Uganda's Namugongo in straight sets of 25-16, 25-12 and 25-20 to earn their place in the last four.

In the boys' contest, defending champions Malava beat Buremba of Uganda 3-1 in Group B to increase their chances of defending their title. The Kenyan boys fought to take the first set 25-20, relaxed in the second as their hosts won 18-25.

Having fallen to home rivals Cheptil in their opening match, the six-time East Africa winners were not ready to risk an early exit as they won the third set 25-18, before completing the job 27-25.

In girls' hockey, reigning champions Sinyolo oozed class as they trounced Bweranyange of Uganda 13-0 to inch closer to retaining their title.

St Joseph's Kitale, who are tied on seven points with Sinyolo, beat St Mary's Namagunga of Uganda 3-0. Sinyolo and St Joseph's will clash today in the match that is likely to decide the 2017 winner.

In the boys' category, Upper Hill won their first match after beating Ntare of Uganda 3-1, while Kisumu Day drew 0-0 against St Charles Lwanga Kasasa of Uganda.                                                                   [Elizabeth Mburugu]