Classy Kwanthanze set up tasty Cheptil final

The last time Kwanthanze and Cheptil met in a knockout match it served up a gripping five-setter and the High School volleyball queens will have another swing at each other after winning their respective semi-finals.

Kwanthanze edged that breathless semi-final in Rwanda and Cheptil will hope they can turn tables on the four-time national champions on Saturday with both having enjoying smooth progressions into the final.

Kwanthanze, blew away Nairobi champions Soweto in straight sets (25-18,25-15,25-20) to storm to the finals while Cheptil knocked out Central’s Pasenga in a 3-0 (25-15,25-13,25-16) rout in Kisumu.

Speaking after securing the finals ticket, Kigwari who has been at the helm of Kwanthanze since 2010, said there is nothing will stop him from bagging the fifth title.

“We know the finals will be tough but I am almost sure we will defend our title tomorrow. My charges are improving day by day and nothing will stop us from achieving our feat,” he charged.

His opposite number Ann Birgen praised her charges for making it to East Africa in the second year running adding that she was ready to clinch the elusive national title.

“Our target was to finish top three to be guaranteed East Africa slot and now we will approach the finals relaxed. Kwanthanze is a good team but we have defeated them this year so I think it’s possible,” determined Birgen told Citizen Digital.

Since Kenya is the East Africa volleyball girls defending champions, three teams will head to Tanzania and with Kwanthanze and Cheptil already with their tickets, the third team will be between Soweto and Pasenga who play in the third place play-offs.

In boy’s contest, Mogonga blew Nyamwela in straight sets to set up final duel against Lelmwoko who on their enroute to finals defeated Langata 3-0.

In football Under 16 boys, Coast region champions Serani will face off with Koyonzo from Western in the finals after 1-0 win against Dagoretti in the semis.

Koyonzo ended Garissa’s Boys town fairytale run following a 3-1 post-match penalty shootouts win after the match ended 1-1 in a regulation and extra-time.

In girls contest, 2016 champions will be eyeing to retain their title against Maeni on Saturday after the two sides won their respective semi finals matches.

Wiyeta from Rift Valley beat Nyanza’s Kobala 1-0 to reach finals while Maeni of Western saw off Njabini 2-0.

The winners of under-16 will represent Kenya in Copa Coca-Cola Africa tournament to be held later this year.

Summarised Final Fixtures

Volleyball Girls

Kwanthanze Vs Cheptil

Volleyball Boys

Mogonga Vs Lelmwoko

Football U-16

Boys

Serani Vs Koyonzo

Girls

Wiyeta Vs Maeni