A FACING ACID TEST: Kakamega seek to redeem themselves as Nzoia Airtel Rising Stars games begin

The reigning Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) boys champions Kakamega High School have a tough task as they face off with their Nzoia Region opponents in this year’s regional games.

Green Commandos, the 11-time champions, shoulder the hopes of the school, having failed to win silverware during the national Term One and Two A championships.

Nambale Boys grounds will be a combat zone from Thursday as secondary schools fight to secure slots for the national championships in Machakos.

This is Green Commandos only remaining chance to prove that Kakamega High School is indeed a sports’ powerhouse in the country, after a dismal show in Term One ‘A’ games which saw their rugby 15s side finish third at the nationals.  

They, however, face an uphill task as they take on Nzoia Region’s best in former national Champions Kapenguria of West Pokot and favourites St Anthony of Trans-Nzoia Counties.

The going will also be tough as Green Commandos have to cross the regional hurdle to defend their title and keep their national title retention dream alive.

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ROUGH JOURNEY

In this rough journey, they are expected to face stiff opposition from hosts Nambale Boys from Busia County. Other contestants are Misikhu Friends of Bungoma, Lodwar of Turkana, Vihiga Boys of Vihiga and Mundika Boys of Busia Counties.

Kakamega games teacher Jairus Amayamu told FeverPitch that they have prepared the team well and they will be going for nothing less than victory.

“We have not done well so far, but all is not lost as our football team still has a chance to make us proud and make sure that the trophy remains with us, I believe they are ready for the challenge.”

He revealed that they will be cautious and play one match at a time to ensure they achieve their long-term goal of successfully defending their national title. He also expressed confidence in his squad, saying they are in good form and ready to defend their title.

RETURN TO NATIONALS

Ibinzo Girls of Kakamega County, eyeing a return to the nationals after sending champions Butere Girls packing, will leave nothing to chance as they face giants Tartar of West Pokot, and Wiyeta of Trans-Nzoia Counties in their quest for a place at the nationals. St Kevins of Turkana, Chebukaka of Bungoma, Bishop Sulumet and Kingandole of Busia and St Bakitas of Vihiga, will also battle for a place at the nationals in girls’ football.

Boys’ volleyball national champions Malava Boys seem to have an easy way in their contest and are expected to defend their title at the nationals. However, they will have to beat Cherengani of Trans-Nzoia, Mang’ana of Bungoma, Chavakali of Vihiga, Lodwar, Kapenguria, St Mathias and Butula Boys both of Busia County.

In the girls’ contest fireworks are expected between Mautuma who put a halt to last year’s runners-up Mautuma in Kakamega County games, former champions Lugulu Girls of Bungoma nd Weaver Bird of Trans-Nzoia Counties. Hosts Busia have high expectations in their representatives Busiada and Kolanya Girls. Chapareria will represent West Pokot, while Uhuru Girls and Ikobero will fly the Turkana and Vihiga County flags respectively.