Kwanthanze, Mogonga PAG win girls’ and boys’ volleyball titles

Sheila Chemutai of Soweto Girls during their match against Cheptil's Hilder Chepkeger in the KSSA National Term Two volleyball girls games. [Washington Onyango/Standard]

Kwanthanze and Mogonga PAG won girls’ and boys’ volleyball titles at Kisumu Polytechnic as curtains came down on the Kenya Secondary Schools National Term Two games yesterday.

Eastern’s Kwanthanze region rallied from a set down to claim their fifth national title after beating their perennial rivals Cheptil 3-2 (24-26, 25-13, 25-22, 18-25, 15-05) in a tough final.

The East African champions will now embark on their journey to Arusha where they are set to defend their title.

Kwanthanze coach Justine Kigwari thanked his charges for the good show and promised to rectify their mistakes ahead of Arusha games.

“It was a brilliant performance from the girls even after losing the first set. Our hard work paid dividends. We now train our eyes on Arusha where I believe we do better,” he said.

Soweto, however, saw off Passenga 3-0 in straight sets to finish third in girls’ play-offs.

In boys’ final, Nyanza region’s Mogonga, who finished third last year, made light work of newcomers Lelmokwo to win 3-0 (25-19, 25-19 and 25-17).

Banking on last years’ experience, the Kisii County must be back to intense training to impress at the East Africa games in Arusha.

“We have been excellent this year since the sub-county level to emerging national champions. I thank the players and the school for their confidence. I think it is time for us to shine in East Africa,”  Mogonga coach Nathan Kiptoo said.

In playoffs, Namwela beat Langata 3-0. East African defending champions Kwanthanze and Cheptil will represent girls’ volleyball as Mogonga and Lelmokwo feature in the boys’ volleyball in Arusha.