St. Martha’s Mwitoti Girls Volleyball team alias the “Invincible Queens,” has returned home to a heroic welcome after an impressive eleven-day campaign in Morogoro, Tanzania, where the Kenyan champions finished second in the FEASSA Games.

The Queens’ remarkable run saw them emerge as one of the most formidable sides in the regional competition, ultimately losing only two matches throughout the entire tournament—one against Soweto and the other in the final against fellow Kenyan side Kesogon.

At the heart of the team’s success is Principal Mr. Samuel Ogolla, who also serves as the team’s patron. Under his leadership, the school has deliberately built a culture that places equal emphasis on discipline, talent development, scouting and academic excellence.

Mr. Ogolla praised the players for carrying the school and the country’s flag with distinction in Tanzania, saying the team travelled to Morogoro with confidence after months of meticulous preparation.

“We had a very good team and we expected to shine in Morogoro,” said Ogolla, while acknowledging that the experience had also provided the players with valuable lessons for the future.

He attributed the team’s impressive showing to a combination of discipline, proper scouting, talent development and strong institutional support.

According to the principal, the players are disciplined and receptive to instructions, while the school has invested heavily in identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots.

The school’s philosophy of developing its own players has also played a crucial role. Unlike teams that may rely heavily on external recruits, Mwitoti has concentrated on nurturing its players from within the school, giving young girls an opportunity to develop their talents while pursuing their education.

The school’s supportive Board of Management has further strengthened the programme by subsidising fees for some players and offering scholarships to deserving talents.

Ogolla said the combination of a committed technical team, disciplined players, effective scouting and institutional support has helped transform Mwitoti into a force to reckon with in school volleyball.

The success in Tanzania, however, was not achieved by the players and coaches alone.

Ogolla was quick to acknowledge the numerous stakeholders who stood with the team from the national championships all the way to Morogoro.

He singled out Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Hamisi Waswa, former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, the St. Martha’s Mwitoti Board of Management led by Mr. Vincent Mulondo, and Mumias East MP Hon. Peter K. Salasya, among other well-wishers and members of the community.

Fellow students were also recognised for their unwavering support and encouragement.

“Success has many fathers and failure is an orphan,” Ogolla said, appreciating everyone who contributed towards the team’s journey.

The principal acknowledged that the Tanzanian trip came with significant financial demands, with the school having to shoulder a substantial part of the expenses after funding from the Ministry fell below expectations.

The cost of accommodation and other logistical requirements in Morogoro placed additional pressure on the school.

Even the coaches, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the FEASSA final, are yet to receive their full dues.

Despite these challenges, the school remained committed to ensuring that the girls had an opportunity to represent Kenya and showcase their talent on the international stage.

For the Invincible Queens, the FEASSA silver medal is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of an even more ambitious chapter.

Ogolla revealed that only four players will exit the team, giving Mwitoti a strong foundation upon which to build next season.

The school has already recruited talented Grade 10 players, creating optimism that next year’s team could be even stronger.

“We are now embarking on serious preparation for next year. We still have a formidable team. Only four players will be exiting, and we have recruited very good Grade 10 players. The team will be tougher next year than it has been,” Ogolla said.

The FEASSA experience has also opened new opportunities for the players.

The team captain has received a call-up to the national team, while some of the other talented players have attracted the attention of Kenya Prisons, a development that underlines the quality of talent being nurtured at Mwitoti.

For a school that has deliberately invested in talent development, such recognition is a major reward.

Beyond volleyball, St. Martha’s Mwitoti is now setting its sights on establishing itself as a national centre of excellence in both academics and sports.

The Queens’ campaign in Morogoro has demonstrated that the school has the talent, leadership and institutional backing to pursue that ambition.

For the Invincible Queens, the silver medal is more than just a trophy.

It is a statement.

It is proof that disciplined young girls, given the right mentorship, opportunities and support, can compete with—and stand among—the very best.

And with Principal Samuel Ogolla at the helm, a supportive Board, committed coaches, talented players and a community willing to rally behind them, St. Martha’s Mwitoti Girls has every reason to believe that its greatest volleyball chapter is still to be written.