THE CHASE IS NOW ON: Kenya begin regional title defence as Laiser Hill, Passenga face off

Barding High School's Clement Okiring dribbles the ball past Laiser hill Academy's John Macharia during their Secondary school Games football match at Moi Stadiuml, Kisumu County on August 6, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Hosts Kenya embark on their Brookside Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association title defence this morning at different venues in Eldoret County.

In addition to defending the overall title, the Kenyan students have their eyes fixed on grabbing the elusive boys’ football title as well as reclaiming volleyball and basketball titles.

National boys’ football champions Laiser Hill Academy will play against Passenga in their opening Pool B match with both sides seeking a perfect start. Returning to the regional scene for the second year running, the Kenyan boys will be out to prove their mettle after failing to go past the group stage in Huye, Rwanda, last year.

Laiser Hill coach Anthony Kirimi said his boys have now gained confidence and will play better than they did last year.

“I am confident my boys are equal to task and will make Kenya proud. It was their first time at this level of competition last year and I must say that performance is a thing of the past we expect better results this year,” Kirimi said.

He added that a victory in the opening match is crucial in setting the pace and enhancing their chances of reaching the knockout stage. But they face an uphill task as they take on Passenga who beat them 1-0 to win the national title last year and who they played to a 1-1 draw at this year’s national games.

In Pool A, debutants Barding eye victory as they tackle guests Charawe of Zanzibar. Other matches will be between Makongo of Tanzania and Hanika of Rwanda while defending champions Masaka of Uganda will play against South Sudan representatives in pools A and B, respectively.

In the girls’ contest, national queens St John’s Kaloleni will take on Nyakach Girls in Group B while four-time East Africa champions and last year’s runners-up Wiyeta play Nginda A.

Wiyeta, who are hoping to recapture their crown at home, came close last year but fell 0-2 to ECOTEC of Burundi in the finals.

In other ties, Mukono of Uganda lock horns with Kibasila of Tanzania as ETG Nyakabiga play against ES Mutunda of Rwanda. Kawempe Muslim and Masaka both from Uganda will meet while GS Remera of Rwanda tackle Alliance of Tanzania.

Boys’ hockey champions St Anthony’s Kitale launch their defense against rivals and last year’s silver medalists St Charles Lwanga of Uganda.

The Kenyans will be wary of the Ugandans who beat them 2-1 and almost snatched the crown. National champions Friends School Kamusinga play Upper Hill Kakungulu Memorial will play Ntare.

St Anthony’s coach Kelvin Lugalia said his boys will be out for a perfect start. “We are playing in a round robin and every point counts. A win is what we need to enhance our chances of retaining our title.”