Kigwari coy about Kwanthanze’s national volleyball title chances

Kigwari says there is a huge difference in quality in this year’s squad compared to last year’s title winning squad following the departure of six players who left after completing their secondary education.

“We are managing our expectations this year because some of the best talents we had left. If we get to the semis or the final we shall be content, but that doesn’t mean we will not get there,” said Kigwari.

Some of the recent graduates of the seven-time East Africa champions have already announced their arrival in the country’s volleyball scene this year.

Left attacker Daisy Letting who joined Kenya Pipeline already bagged the Most Valuable Award in the league’s play-offs staged last month at Kasarani Indoor Arena while compatriot Merline Terry Tata, outing for KCB, bagged the same award in the recently concluded Kenya Cup.

Talented setter Faridah Boke, dubbed as the next Janet Wanja, has also had a successful outing at KCB during their league campaign, filling in the void left by Esther Mutinda-also a former Kwanthanze alumnus-who had proceeded for maternity.

Others who left Kwathanze’s star studded squad last year include left attacker Magdalene Nzembi who joined Kenya Prisons, liberos Rose Mutothya and Ivine Chemutai who joined KDF and Kenya Army respectively.

“I’m always proud when I see the players I have nurtured join high profile clubs and excel. It’s always painful to lose them but I celebrate because we achieve our purpose of nurturing talents,” he added.

The seasoned tactician has noted that they’ve been rebuilding this year and it will take time for the team to hit the top levels again.

“What we have been doing is build a new squad and develop others who majorly played from the bench last year. It takes time to develop a player, it requires a lot of input but the team is not bad.”

Despite losing important players last year, Kigwari is still confident they can lift the gong and is promising to give their best shot possible in the national finals.

“We may not be at the level I want us to be this year but we will play like champions. We won our regional title and we are going to fly the Eastern flag high. We will give our best and if our opponents rest their laurels then they will have no chance against us,” noted Kigwari.

Kwanthanze spanked Nduluni Secondary School of Makueni in straight sets to extend their Eastern region dominance, qualifying for the nationals.

In last year’s national extravaganza held in Kisii, Kwanthanze laboured to edge out perennial rivals Kesogon 3-2 sets to bag their record-extending seventh national title.

They two will be renewing their rivalry with Soweto from Nairobi also in the mix to give a shot in the fight for national glory.