KSSSA Games: Cheptil, Kwanthanze carry the day in volleyball

Former champions Cheptil Boys and record champions Kwanthanze are the boys and girls' volleyball champions respectively. 

The Kenya Secondary School Sport Association (KSSSA) 2022 action concluded on Monday 12 September in Nakuru with upsets witnessed while some perenial winners, like Kwanthanze, maintained their streak. 

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Coach Mathias Kosgei could not hide his emotions after the final score that gave his side a 3-2 ( 25-23, 25-23, 16-25, 21-25, 15-10) victory over Namwela and the title they last won in 2016. 

As the players broke into dance alongside the hundreds of fans that had cheered them on in the nerve-racking final, Kosgei took a moment to relish the achievement, retreating to the bench, now abandoned, visibly in tears. 

"It was as tough as we expected and having played them at the pools stage made it ever so tougher. They had studied us and made adjustments. They made sure to stop my main attackers and paralysed my left attack. 

They also changed their services and that messed with our reception plans and it became easier for them in blocks. It took a bit of time for us to readjust but I am happy for the win," offered Kosgei. 

The tactician admits that his charges celebrated winning the second set, which they had trailed for the better time, a bit too hard and let down their guard in the third and fourth sets before recovering for the won in the decider set. 

"Complacency almost cost us but that is a mistake I will be repeating," he offered. 

Namwela, on their part, having made their debut at the national Games in 2019 but failed to qualify for the EA games after finishing third now get their chance to make their maiden appearance to the regional games in Arusha. 

Meanwhile, national and East Africa games champions Kwanthanze continued their good showing, winning yet another title after beating Kesogon 3-1 in the final. 

"I am grateful for the win. After studying our opponents in the first set which they won 25-21, I had to make adjustments in the second set to counter their attacks and blocks. 

We also increased the pace of the game and our attacks and were it not for some poor services we would have restricted them to under 10 scores in the sets we won. Focus now shifts to the EA games where we hope to carry on the good work and dedend that title," added Kigwari. 

Kesogon who were making their debut at the national level will relish the chance to play other teams at the regional level in Arusha.