SCHOOLS: Nyamira Girls, St Anthony's Kitale chase East Africa hockey titles

National secondary school hockey queens Nyamira Girls from Siaya County is a school on a mission.

From bagging the Bondo Sub-County title, Siaya County title, Nyanza region title and now national title, you can safely say that Nyamira Girls have been there, done that and won it all this year in Kenya.

After ending five-time East African champions Sinyolo Girls' 10-year reign in Nyanza, Nyamira took over the mantle at the Kenya Secondary Schools Term One national Games played in Eldoret in May.

Not that they are boasting, but Nyamira's high intensity and standards are above the rest in Siaya County, a title they have won for the past decade with ease. There were a few exceptions when St Mary's Lwak Girls and Nyawara Girls sneaked in.

The Nyanza Region champions saw off St Joseph Girls Kitale 1-0 to end their 32-year wait of lifting the national championship. Their last victory was in 1991.

Under the guidance of three coaches; Eliakim Obondo, Dennis Kigae and Naomi Kabibi, Nyamira's dominance is truly a testament of power of passion, dedication, and teamwork.

The school's hockey program has benefited from the guidance of these three experienced and passionate tacticians, who not only teach the technical aspects of the game, but also emphasised the importance of physical fitness and mental preparedness.

The coaches created a conducive environment for talent identification and development, ensuring that promising players received the necessary support and opportunities to hone their skills.

And after successfully leading the team to the national title, Obondo, who handles the strength, conditioning, and mental wellness of the girls, said they can't wait to travel to Rwanda and come back with the East Africa gong.

"Encouraging students to participate in sports not only helps them stay physically fit but also promotes mental well-being, reduces stress, and enhances their overall academic performance," said Obondo, who teaches Geography.

"Equally important is the mental aspect of preparation. As a team, we must foster a collective belief in our capabilities and a shared commitment to achieving our goals. Mental fortitude is what sets apart great teams from good ones."

Nyamira will kick off their Rwanda campaign against Tigo Girls from Western in what will be a repeat of the national finals which Nyamira won 1-0.

The hockey girls will be played in a round-robin format where seven teams will play against each other and the team that will be top by the end of the six matches declared champions.

The teams include Kakngulu Memorial, St Mary's Namugunga, Bweranyangi Girls and Gayaza High School all from Uganda alongside Tigoi Girls and St Joseph Girls Kitale.

Other matches on Sunday will see St Joseph play Bweranyangi Girls.

In the boy's hockey, St Anthony's Kitale will kick off their campaign against Mbarara High School from Uganda as Mangu High School play Uganda's Kakungulu Memorial in Group A.

National champions Musingu High School who are in Group B will play against St Mary's College Kisubi from Uganda.