Fireworks are expected in boys’ volleyball as teams brace up for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national games planned for August 4- 8 in Kisii County.
New champions are expected to emerge after last year’s winners Ruthimitu High School failed to make it for the nationals.
The 2022 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association and national champions Cheptil will be out to reclaim their title.
However, they face still competition from former champions Hospital Hill as competition gets underway on Monday at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho.
According to the draws, 2013 champions Hospital Hill have been drawn in Pool ‘A’ alongside Kiaguthi (Central), Nyabondo (Nyanza) and County High School from the North Eastern region.
Cheptil face a hard task in Pool B, where they have been pitted against Western region champions Namwela, Matikilu (Eastern) and Coast region’s Milalulu.
Namwela finished third in last year’s nationals and lifted the East Africa title in Huye, Rwanda.
Nyabondo Boys' captain Samuel Akomo said their target is to win all their matches in the group.
“We want to top our group so that we face the second team in Pool ‘B’. We are under pressure as hosts but I want to assure Nyanza that we are up to the task,” said Akomo.
Akomo added: “We are ready and well prepared to face any team. We know all teams that have qualified are strong but our target is to finish top three and represent the country at the FEASSSA games.”
In the girls’ category, defending national champions Kesogon and Federation of East Africa champions Kwanthanze start favourites.
They, however, face stiff competition from Nairobi’s perennial campaigners Soweto, who finished third in last year’s regional show in Huye, Rwanda.
Kesogon headlines Pool ‘A’ which features Nyanza’s Nyakongo, Soweto Girls and Senior Chief Adano from the North Eastern region.
Kwanthanze are favourites in Pool ‘B’ which also has Vyambani from Coast, former champions Lugulu Girls from Western and MPesa Academy from Central region.
Kwanthanze will be seeking their fifth national title while Kesogon are out to claim their second title.
Lugulu Girls are the most successful team in girls’ volleyball having won 24 national titles. However, only time will tell if they will revive their old good days and bag their 25th title.