- Kenyan champions Chesamisi Boys held their nerve to overcome Tanzania’s Lumala in five sets in Morogoro.
- The match was temporarily halted in the fourth set following protests over an officiating decision.
- Chesamisi’s victory keeps alive a remarkable season that has already delivered the Kenyan national title.
Kenya’s national boys’ volleyball champions Chesamisi Boys overcame a dramatic interruption to defeat Tanzania’s Lumala 3–2 in a thrilling FEASSA 2026 encounter in Morogoro, Tanzania, on Wednesday afternoon.
The match descended into controversy during the fourth set when Chesamisi were leading 20–17, following a disputed scoring decision that sparked protests from Tanzanian supporters backing Lumala.
Amid the protest, some supporters removed the volleyball net, forcing play to be temporarily halted as officials moved to restore order and address the situation.
The interruption came at a critical stage of an already fiercely contested match, but Chesamisi maintained their composure when play eventually resumed.
Chesamisi hold their nerve
The Buffaloes had made a strong start to the encounter, taking the opening set 25–17 and setting the tone for what would develop into a five-set battle.
Lumala, playing with strong home support, fought back as the contest intensified, eventually forcing the match into a deciding fifth set.
Despite the disruption and pressure from the home crowd, Chesamisi recovered their rhythm and completed a 3–2 victory to continue their campaign at the regional school games.
The result adds another chapter to an impressive season for the Western Kenya side, which arrived in Morogoro as Kenya’s national champions.
The FEASSA boys’ volleyball draw placed Chesamisi and Lumala in Group A alongside fellow Kenyan side Matiliku, Rwanda’s Nyanza TSS and Uganda’s Bukedea Comprehensive School.
The 2026 FEASSA Games are being staged in Morogoro, Tanzania, with competition running as part of the regional championship bringing together school teams from across East Africa. Volleyball has three qualification slots for boys and three for girls.
From regional setback to Kenyan champions
Chesamisi’s journey to Morogoro has been remarkable because they did not arrive at the national championships as Western Region champions.
Malava Boys defeated Chesamisi 3–0 in the Western Region final in July, although Chesamisi still secured qualification for the national games in Thika.
At the national championships, however, Chesamisi transformed themselves into title contenders.
They announced their arrival by defeating 2023 national champions Ruthimitu in straight sets, 25–16, 25–22 and 25–17. Under coach Isaac Muresia, the side followed that performance by defeating Moi Forces Academy without dropping a set to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Chesamisi then swept Masara 3–0 in the semi-final to set up a national championship showdown with ACK Chepsaita.
In the final, the Buffaloes defeated Chepsaita 3–1. They took the opening set 25–23 before Chepsaita responded with a 25–14 win in the second. Chesamisi regained control with another 25–23 victory in the third before sealing the national crown 25–18 in the fourth set.
That triumph earned Chesamisi the opportunity to carry Kenya’s challenge to the East African stage in Morogoro.
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Wednesday’s dramatic win over Lumala therefore extends a campaign in which Chesamisi have progressed from losing the Western Region final to becoming Kenyan champions and now competing for regional honours.
By Joseph Mambili
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