Schools: Olympic pray for stardom

kenya secondary schools term two A games finals Olympic School women soccer players kneel down as they celebrate in style after winning the 2017 Kenya Secondary Schools Term Two A Games championship where they beat last year's champions Wiyeta Girls in the finals at Shanzu Teachers Training College, June 10, 2017. Olympic won 1-0 to be crowned this year's champions. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Fresh from winning girls' secondary schools national Under-16 football title, Olympic Mixed are hoping to complete a double during next week's national Term Two B games.

The former national champions are seeking to reclaim their lost glory.

Olympic won the 2013 title but, since then, they have failed to bag a second trophy. In 2014, they never went past the Metropolitan Region, where they lost to Matuu Memorial in the final.

They returned to the nationals in 2015, but finished third behind winners Wiyeta and silver medallists Kobala Mixed. Despite making it to the nationals last year, they never went past the group stage.

However, inspired by the success of their junior team, they are determined to go all the way and claim the title. Coached their Principal Maurice Okumu, the Kibera- based team is not ready to fall again. Okumu said his charges are challenged to emulate the juniors, who have already given a good account of themselves.

"The younger girls have proved it can be done, so it is up to the senior team to take up the challenge and achieve the same feat," Okumu said.

To meet their objectives, Olympic will have to face off with 2015 holders Wiyeta, who will be out to avenge the loss of their juniors at the nationals.

Olympic edged Wiyeta of Nzoia 1-0 to lift the Under-16? trophy. Others will be Kobala of Nyanza, who defeated Olympic 1-0 in the 2015 semifinals. Kwale Girls of Coast, Nginda and Njabini of Central, Ibinzo of Western and Utithi of Eastern will all battle for the girls' title.

Olympic will rely on the services of Vivian Mwale, Irene Namale, Drailer Salome, Dorah Achieng, Raybellah Inyanje, Catherine Irungu and Diana Lauzi, who were impressive in their regional campaign.

[Elizabeth Mburugu]