Namwela coach Muresha decries lack of experience as they relinquish volleyball title

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Western Region volleyball heavyweights, Namwela Boys High School have for the first time since 2019, failed to defend their regional title during the games held in Kakamega County.

‎Namwela were eliminated by Malava Boys High School in the semi-finals after losing 3–2 in sets, with their coach, Isaac Muresha, blaming the loss on the absence of experienced players who graduated from the school.

‎"The games have been very competitive this year, most of the teams we have played along the way have managed to maintain their teams since 2023, but I lost all of my players and left to build from scratch,” he lamented. “It’s one of the reasons we had a tough outing even after dominating in Bungoma County," Muresha told Citizen Digital.

‎The Bungoma County giants have long dominated high school volleyball not only in Kenya but also in the East African region, having clinched the East African title in 2023.

‎According to Muresha, failing to win the title this year is not a defeat but an opportunity to learn. He has promised to correct the mistakes made and build a stronger squad for next year’s competition.

‎"I can't say that we didn't play well, we gave our best and now it is a chance to go back to the drawing board and strengthen our weak areas, in fact it is an opportunity for me to know where I have to reinforce. It was a fair competition and I'm contented with the general outcome,” the tactician added.

‎After knocking out Namwela, Malava Boys went on to defeat Butula in the final 3–2 to clinch this year’s Western Region volleyball title in boys' category.