MASENO SEEK TO RECLAIM LOST GLORY: Former champs smarting after last year's loss

Bradon Buche of Maseno (with the ball ) battle out with Gode Wesley of Kapenguria (in green)during the semi-finals at Nakuru boys High School in Nakuru on 17-04-2015 PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

Former East Africa rugby15s and boys' basketball champions Maseno School hope to regain their rightful place in secondary school games.

Once a sports powerhouse, Maseno begin their journey to excellence today when the Nyanza Region Term One games start at Cardinal Otunga High School, Kisii.

Maseno have their work cut out for them as they seek to reclaim the regional basketball trophy they lost to Kisumu Boys in last year's final.

They will also be keen on retaining the rugby15s and hockey titles. Basketball coach Gordon Ogutu said their main objective is to win the regional crown and return to the national games.

"We are well prepared and not ready to lose. We are charged, motivated, and focused on winning. We did not achieve our goals last year, but we are determined to bounce back and claim our rightful place," Ogutu said.

He added that although the school has had its share of misfortunes recently, they are not shaken and are ready for the challenge.

"We are not affected by the recent occurrences at our school; we remain focused and are ready to fight for the honour of Maseno School," said Ogutu.

Maseno, who defeated Upper Hill 46-45 to win the 2015 national title, were not at their best last year. They lost 54-59 to Kisumu Boys in the regional final.

They are in pool B together with hosts Cardinal Otunga, Ambira, and Ekenyoro. Champions Kisumu Boys launch their defence in pool A alongside Kisii High School, Agoro Sare, and Uriri.

In the girls' contest, reigning champions Barchando are in pool B together with St Mary's Mabera, Iteirio, and Kisumu Girls. Ekenyoro, Asumbi, Nyamira, and Nyabururu will compete in group B.

In rugby15s, Maseno will begin their defence in pool A against rivals Homa Bay High, Nyabigena and Rapogi. Group B has hosts Cardinal Otunga, St Mary's Taka Nyambaria and Thurdibuoro.

Despite winning the regional title, Maseno failed to shine at the national games and were eliminated at the group stage. They also lost the East Africa crown to Laiser Hill in 2015.

Maseno will also be seeking to retain the boys' hockey title and make a return to the national games. They are in pool A where they battle St Mary's Taka and Kisii High School for a semis slot. Kisumu Day are the top seeds in pool B that also has Kanyawanga and Nyabigena.

East Africa girls champions Sinyolo will be out to extend their reign. They are in group B together with Dede and Nyamira. Pool A has Kisumu Girls, Ambira, and Kereri.

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