Sinyolo retains East Africa title

They came to the competition prepared to defend and ready to repeat their performance of the past three years.

They are Sinyolo, the Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools hockey queens. Determined to defend their crown and extend their reign at the helm of hockey in the region, the Kenyan girls were in a class of their own putting on performances befitting their status as champions.

That they wanted to win a record fourth successive regional crown was not in doubt as they seized every opportunity provided in every match they played to secure points that would eventually culminate in a trophy. They stayed true to their course and after four victories in their round robin contest, the home girls successfully firmed their grip on the trophy they have won since 2013.

Sinyolo coach Alloise Owino was all smiles, saying it was mission accomplished as his main objective of the year was to complete a double by winning both the national and East Africa titles. “Nothing feels as good as setting a goal and achieving it. I wanted to maintain my 2013 feat and I'm glad that through hard work, dedication, discipline and team work, my girls have made it happen,” he said.

Thanks to their lanky striker Melda Awour, Sinyolo were unmatched from the onset. They launched their title defence with a resounding 4-0 victory over compatriots Kerugoya. They came in their second tie stronger to trounce Uganda's Namagunga 13-1, with Awuor scoring six goals. In a repeat of Kenya's national finals, Sinyolo overcame Tigoi 2-1 and their 3-1 victory against Kakungulu gifted them the trophy on 12 points with a match in hand.

Awour, who is eyeing the top scorers' award, scored one goal while Lavender Ouma, who has also been very impressive for the champions, netted twice. Doreen Asiimwe found the back of the net once to give the Ugandans the consolation goal. Home girls Kerugoya, who routed Namagunga 9-1, and Tigoi will be battling the Ugandans to ensure that they secure a one, two, three finish for Kenya.

While Sinyolo were celebrating their success, three-time East Africa champions Friends School Kamusinga were forced to wait before they could reclaim their title. Kamusinga were held to a 1-1 draw by St Charles Lwanga Kasasa of Uganda.

The homeboys who have been in top form seemed to have met their match as they fought resilient Ugandans to a fruitless first half and another 30 minutes, with their efforts paying off in the 66th minute through Conrad Wafula. But their celebrations were short-lived as Collins Oliliru restored parity a minute later.

Kamusinga need a victory in their last round robin match against Kakungulu in order to recapture their title.