KSSSA Games: Kesogon, Mwitoti set to clash in girls' volleyball

Newbies Kesogon Secondary and Martha Mwitoti from Rift Valley and Western regions have been a joy to watch so far in girls volleyball, making it to the semis. 

The Rift Valley champions Kesogon beat Nyanza's Nyakongo 3-0 ( 25-17, 25-17, 25-17) in the final group stage match to make it to the semis as the best team in pool A that also had North Eastern's Hon Amin and Karima from Central. 

On their part, Mwitoti shocked experienced Soweto from Nairobi 3-1 to book a semis slot as the second placed team in pool B that has defending champions Kwanthanze who finished top of the pool and Coast region's Vyambani. 

Under the tutelage of Ronald Masinde, the Rift Valley champions, Kesogon, are looking to upset the form book and dethrone the experienced Kwanthanze for the national title, but first, they have to go past the industrious Mwitoti in the semis. 

"This is our debut at the national games but the players are raring to go with the target being reaching the East Africa games in Arusha. We have been building this team since 2019 and while the players had not played the school games at a high level until this year we have tried to give them some exposure. 

From the group stages, we have seen a few loopholes and need for improvement on service and reception so we can comfortably make it to the final and fight for the title," offered Masinde adding that no side is superior to his players. 

Meanwhile, surprise package Mwitoti who are making the county, regional and national games for the first time did not let their height disadvantage deter them from beating Soweto for a chance to be in the semis. 

Coach Lawrence Ayoti says that self belief has played a huge role in picking that slot against a team as experienced as Soweto. 

"It has been a challenging journey to the nationals as our preparations have been disrupted time and again but we made the best of it. 

As we head to the semis, we will have to tighten our back court defense. We know we will have a disadvantage in height but we have to fight to the last whistle. Our target is to make it to the final but if we cannot go all the way a third place will be highly appreciated," offered Ayoti. 

The Western champions had the experience of veteran volleyballer Ibrahim Oduor on the bench whose expertise cane in handy in propelling the side to the final four.