Cheptil and Malava face off in regional volleyball

By Oscar Pilipili

Lira, Uganda: Volleyball boys’ match between Kenyan teams Cheptil and Malava highlights the East African Secondary School Championships programme that enters its third day here in Lira, Uganda on Tuesday.

Champs Cheptil finished runners-up while Malava came third during the nationals that were won by Hospital Hill in Embu early this month.

This is the first time that the two teams are meeting this year as draws kept them apart at the nationals.

Malava coach Shadrack Tovoko said their clash with Cheptil will be cracker considering the two teams are among the best in East and Central Africa.

He said: “The match between Malava and Cheptil will be a show of power and skills because both teams have experienced players. We must win this match to be in better position of qualifying for second round of the competition.”

Tovoko indicated that teams that advance to the second round from Pool “A” will play  very good volleyball. The group features ETS Kamenge of Burundi, Lycee de Nyanza of Rwanda, St Mary’s Kitende (Uganda), Cheptil and Malava.

Cheptil tactician Daniel Chepkwony concurred with Tovoko, saying the eagerly awaited match would be tricky for both teams. About 80 per cent of players in the two teams come from one village, Simat, in Uasin Gishu County.

“I can say that the match will be tough and the team that utilises its chances well will win,” he said.

Kenya champions Hospital Hill clash with Kinaawa of Uganda in their second fixture of the tournament today.

In basketball boys, all three Kenyan teams will be in action. Friends School Kamusinga play St Mary’s Kisubi (Uganda), Maseno clash with LD Kigali while Upper Hill will face College Ami des Enfants of Rwanda.

In rugby, defending champions Kakamega High are drawn against Ntare of Uganda as Kangaru tackle hosts Pope Paul Gulu.

In football boys, Kenya champions Upper Hill play its first match against St Juliana of Uganda today. Kathungi are out to atone for an earlier defeat when they face Esir of Rwanda in their second match on Tuesday.