This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On Wednesday, Uasin Gishu County's volleyball team, the defending champions in both men's and women's categories, made a statement by storming into the quarter-finals of the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (Kicosca) Games in Kericho.
Uasin Gishu County's men's team, led by coach Nicholas Bitok, beat Kisumu, Kakamega, and Siaya in the preliminary round of the men's tournament, held at Kericho High School.
Meanwhile, the women's team, managed by Dorcas Tirop and coached by Ken Bitok, thrashed Busia, Nyandarua, and Meru in the women's category, advancing to the quarter-finals with straight-set wins.
Coach Nicholas Bitok expressed confidence in his team's ability to retain the title, citing discipline, teamwork, and high motivation among the players as key factors in their success.
"We are confident of not only retaining the title but also taking the trophy home as we are campaigning for a three-year straight win," said Bitok, accompanied by team manager Alfred Lagat.
Uasin Gishu County's Governor, Jackson Mandago, is also a member of the team and is expected to play in the quarter-finals.
Other teams that have advanced to the quarter-finals include Nakuru, Busia, Nandi, Kakamega, and Muranga men's teams.
Handball teams from Kericho are also waiting to be officially declared winners, having beaten Siaya 24-20 in the men's category.
Coach Joseph Opaki attributed the team's success to adequate training and exposure of the players before the kick-off.
"We were well prepared for the match and the players had been exposed to adequate training before the kick-off," said Opaki.
Other results from the games include Migori hammering Narok 2-0 in football, and Kajiado beating Mombasa 2-1 in another match.
