Girls' volleyball action between St Martha's Mwitoti (L) and Kesogon Mixed/ANGWENYI GICHANAKenyan teams ended the 23rd Federation of East African Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, on a mixed note on Saturday, winning the girls’ volleyball and boys’ handball titles but surrendering the boys’ volleyball and girls’ handball crowns to Uganda.
National champions Kesogon Mixed Secondary reclaimed the girls’ volleyball title, beating compatriots St Martha’s Mwitoti Girls 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-13) at Morogoro Teachers College.
Inspired by tournament Most Valuable Player Mary Cherotich, Kesogon completed an unbeaten campaign to secure their second FEASSA title. They also retained the crown for Kenya, who won last year through Kwanthanze.
“It was a good competition for us. We have won the title unbeaten. We are proud because we have won gold for Kenya,” said Kesogon coach John Marani.
Kenya, however, lost the boys’ volleyball title after Uganda’s Namugongo Secondary edged national representatives ACK Chepsaita 3-2 (25-8, 25-13, 25-21, 22-25, 16-14) in a thrilling final.
Chepsaita’s Mathew Kiptoo was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Kenya’s national champions Chesamisi finished fourth after losing in straight sets to Rwanda’s TSS Nyanza.
In boys’ handball, Musingu Boys High School restored Kenyan pride by beating Uganda’s Wampeewo Ntaake 32-30 in a fiercely contested final.
Musingu coach Caleb Simiyu credited the victory to hard work, dedication and discipline. “It was a tough end-to-end game. I’m happy with the boys because they played as per our instructions,” said Simiyu.
St Joseph’s Boys Kitale secured bronze after beating Uganda’s Gombe Secondary 32-30 in the third-place play-off. Kenya, however, missed out on the girls’ handball title after St Joseph’s Girls Kitale narrowly lost 29-27 to Gombe Secondary.
Defending champions and national champions Moi Girls Kamusinga settled for bronze after defeating compatriots Nyakach Girls 32-26 in the third-place play-off.
In girls’ football, Rines Secondary defeated Amus College 4-3 on penalties to lift the title at Jamhuri Stadium after the two sides played to a goalless draw after extra time.
Uganda’s St Mary’s Kitende retained their dominance in boys’ football, winning a record-extending 15th FEASSA title after edging hosts Morogoro Secondary School 2-1.
Kitende also completed a basketball double, winning the girls’ title following a hard-fought 59-53 victory over Rwanda’s ESB Kamonyi.
Rwanda’s International Technical School Kigali retained the boys’ basketball crown as the 10-day championships concluded at Morogoro Teachers College.
