Kwanthanze to keep guard in Nyeri

Kwanthanze Girls' volleyball team in past action against Soweto Academy. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

 

Former national and East Africa Secondary schools girls’ volleyball champions Kwanthanze are praying for a return to the regional scene.

After securing a place in next month’s national Term Two B games in Nyeri, the two-time national and regional winners are now hoping to book a ticket to Gulu, Uganda for the East Africa showpiece. The Machakos County students missed out on last year’s national games after losing 3-2 (27-25, 17-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-13) to Soweto Academy in the now defunct Metropolitan Region final.

However, following the Ministry of Education’s directive to revert to old provincial boundaries, they had an easy passage to the nationals.

They beat Kyatune of Kitui in straight sets of 25-4, 25-6 and 25-9 in Eastern Region finals to seal their return to the nationals. Kwanthanze coach Justine Kigwari said they have set realistic goals and will work hard towards achieving them.

“My players are mostly beginners and ours is to gain exposure at the nationals because we are building a team for the future.

“We are praying to make it to the East Africa games, which will be like a bonus to our efforts,” Kigwari said. In 2015, Kwanthanze relinquished both the national and East Africa crowns to AIC Kosirai and GS Indagaburezi of Rwanda.

They finished second in both finals.

Kigwari said the national title is way out of their reach, but was optimistic of completing a podium finish.

“We have set achievable goals because this year’s teams at the national games are quite strong. It will not be easy.”

He singled out 23-time national champions Lugulu, rivals Soweto and Rift Valley champions Cheptil as this year’s favourites.

Kwanthanze captain Gladys Ekaru is also optimistic of a good show in Nyeri.