Kenyan teams had a day of mixed fortunes at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games in Mbale, Uganda, as they battled through victories and setbacks. The second day of the competition showcased the intensity and competitiveness of the tournament, with Kenyan schools striving to assert their dominance across various disciplines.
Buruburu Girls Triumph in Basketball Comeback
In girls’ basketball, Buruburu Girls made a triumphant return to the FEASSSA games after a two-year hiatus, securing a hard-fought 55-45 victory over Uganda’s Nabisunsa in a Group A match. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Buruburu team, who found themselves trailing by eight points at the end of the first quarter. However, the team’s resilience and determination shone through as they staged a remarkable comeback.
Josephine Adhiambo and Adut Magor were instrumental in Buruburu’s victory, each contributing 13 points to their team’s tally. Quinter Achayo added 11 points, helping to turn the tide in Buruburu’s favor. Despite the hostile environment and the home crowd’s support for Nabisunsa, Buruburu managed to outscore their opponents in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to just three points by halftime.
Coach Julius Otieno’s halftime pep talk played a crucial role in motivating the team to push harder in the second half. His words of encouragement and emphasis on self-belief spurred the players to dominate the third and fourth quarters, ultimately sealing the victory. Otieno later praised his team for their determination and ability to execute the game plan under pressure.
Butere Girls Struggle in Group B Opener
While Buruburu Girls celebrated their victory, it was a different story for Butere Girls, the reigning national basketball champions. They faced a tough challenge in their Group B opener against Uganda’s St Noa, who were the 2019 FEASSSA champions. Unfortunately for Butere, the game ended in a 67-41 defeat, marking a disappointing start to their campaign.
St Noa’s experience and tactical discipline were evident throughout the match, as they capitalized on Butere’s mistakes and maintained control of the game. Despite the setback, Butere Girls remain determined to bounce back in their remaining group matches, knowing that there is still everything to play for in the tournament.
Kwanthanze Continues Volleyball Dominance
In volleyball, Kenya’s Kwanthanze Secondary School reaffirmed their status as the team to beat, delivering a commanding performance against Rwanda’s GS St Aloys in their Group A match. The reigning champions, who have won the FEASSSA volleyball title for five consecutive years, made quick work of their Rwandan opponents, winning in straight sets.
Kwanthanze dominated the first set with a 25-13 scoreline, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Although GS St Aloys attempted to mount a resistance in the second set, Kwanthanze proved too strong, taking the set 25-18. The third set saw Kwanthanze seal the victory with a 25-12 score, showcasing their superior skills and teamwork.
Kwanthanze’s performance sent a clear message to their competitors that they are determined to extend their winning streak to six years. The team’s focus, discipline, and tactical execution were evident throughout the match, making them the favorites to retain their title once again.
Kesogon Dominates Bukedea Comprehensive
Kesogon Secondary School, another Kenyan volleyball powerhouse, also had a successful day on the court. They faced Uganda’s Bukedea Comprehensive School and delivered a resounding victory, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-9, 25-9, and 25-15. Kesogon’s performance was clinical, as they showed no mercy to their Ugandan hosts.
The match highlighted Kesogon’s strengths in both attack and defense, with their players consistently outmaneuvering their opponents. The team’s cohesive play and strategic serving allowed them to dominate from start to finish, leaving Bukedea with little room to mount a comeback.
Tough Start for Kenyan Boys in Volleyball
While the girls’ volleyball teams enjoyed success, it was a challenging day for the Kenyan boys. Defending champions Friends Boys High School Namwela and Hospital Hill both faced tough opposition in their opening matches in Group A, with both teams suffering defeats at the hands of their Ugandan hosts.
Friends Boys High School Namwela, who had high hopes of defending their title, were unable to replicate their previous success, falling short in their match. Hospital Hill also struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in a disappointing start to their FEASSSA campaign.
Despite these early setbacks, both teams remain hopeful of turning their fortunes around in the upcoming matches. The losses serve as a reminder of the fierce competition at the FEASSSA games, where every match is a battle for supremacy.
Conclusion: Mixed Outcomes Reflect Competitive Nature of FEASSSA Games
As the FEASSSA games continue in Uganda, Kenyan teams have experienced both triumphs and challenges. While Buruburu Girls and the volleyball teams from Kwanthanze and Kesogon celebrated their victories, other teams like Butere Girls, Friends Boys High School Namwela, and Hospital Hill faced tough losses. The mixed results highlight the competitive nature of the tournament and the high stakes for every participating team.
With several days of competition still ahead, Kenyan teams will need to regroup, refocus, and give their all to achieve success in their respective disciplines. The FEASSSA games are an opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their talents and bring pride to their schools and country, and they will undoubtedly continue to fight for every point, set, and match as the tournament progresses.
