Kakamega High School tackle LDK in boys football semis

Kwanthanze girls' volleyball team [Photos: Elizabeth Mburugu, Standard]

The national champions must be at their best to beat Rwanda’s GS Indagaburezi.

The clash between Kwanthanze and Rwanda’s GS Indagaburezi in girls’ volleyball finals will no doubt raise adrenaline levels as the Brookside East Africa Secondary School games enter the penultimate stage in Musanze. 

Kenyan champions have an insatiable hunger for glory, having missed it for three years running. And today’s battle is simply a reenactment of the 2015 showdown when GS Indagaburezi snatched the crown from Kwanthanze, who long to exert revenge.

Kwanthanze are out to prove their mettle after they lost 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9) in Huye, Rwanda, in 2015. It’s the first time the Kenyans will be locking horns with Rwandans, who missed the 2016 games in Eldoret.

Just like in 2015, Kwanthanze seek to win their fourth regional title and extend their reign for another year. They hope the gods of volleyball will intervene and propel them to victory.

Kwanthanze captain Gladys Ekaru said they expect a stiff challenge from the Rwandese but they will strive to win and stop Indagaburezi from winning for the second time.

“We will play our best game because we don’t want to relinquish our title to them for the second time. We know they bank on home support but we will protect our turf. We are not ready to let them have their way,” Ekaru said.

Indagaburezi, who won the 2010 and 2015 titles, are chasing a third one. Cheptil, who finished third in 2017, are out to win the bronze medal when they take on IPRC Kigali in third-place playoffs.

Kibuli Secondary School from Uganda and former holders Moi Girls Kamusinga will square it out in girls’ handball final. The Kenyan girls, who surrendered the trophy to Kibuli in Gulu, Uganda, last year after going down 21-25 hope to hit the Ugandans where it hurts most to win.

Kamusinga booked a date with Kibuli after edging St Anne’s Sega 22-21 in the semis while Kibuli beat Rwanda’s ES Kirambo 31-19.

In boys’ football, Kakamega High Schools’ Green Commandos will take on Rwanda’s Lycee De Kigali (LDK) in the battle for a place in tomorrow’s final. The second clash will pit Ugandan sides Buddo and BS Kimanya after defending last year’s winners St Mary’s Kitende were sent packing at the group stage.