Powerhouse Kwanthanze are the 2022 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Games' volleyball champions after beating Kesogon 3-0 in an-all Kenyan final affair in Arusha, Tanzania
The Machakos-based institution slayed Kesogon in sets of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-17 to bag the regional crown for the fourth time in a row.
They defended their title in style having had an unbeaten run at both the nationals and regional shows—a rare achievement for a team that is composed of only Form one and two players.
The Easterners were victorious in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The games have not been staged in the last two years, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic hence denying the Justine Kigwari tutored side the chance to collect more trophies.
Kigwari was initially worried that his inexperienced side would struggle due to sports inactivity but the latest glory highlights the team's growth.
Kwanthanze is a talent hub for local clubs plying trade in the Kenya Volleyball Federation League with most of their athletes considered ripe enough to cut their teeth in the cut-throat KVF league.
Elsewhere, Cheptil reigned supreme in the men's category after coming from behind to humiliate defending champions Stahiza from Uganda 3-1. The Rift Valley side faced an early scare after shockingly losing the opening set 25-21 to leave their title chances hanging in the balance.
However, a pep talk delivered in priestly fashion by the Cheptil coach after the first set re-ignited the fire in Cheptil who came out guns blazing. Cheptil restored parity by winning the second set 25-20 as complacency crept in for Stahiza who were left shell-shocked.
Cheptil charged further to make it 2-1 courtesy of a 25-23 set to score before putting the game to bed 25-23 to send the cheering fans into a crescendo.
All finalists have qualified for the World Sports Championship with the venue and date to be announced later.
