Champions face acid test as Coast Region games start

Boys’ basketball defending champions St George’s High School of Kilifi County know what is expected of them as Coast Region games start today.

As the Term One championships begin at Kenyatta Mwatate High School and Wundanyi Stadium in Taita Taveta County, the champions will be the team to beat.

For two successive years, St. George’s have called the shots on basketball courts. They are keen to confirm their supremacy with a third title. They begin their defence with a match against Aga Khan Academy in their pool ‘A’ match.

Viewed as a match between ‘championships favourites’, nothing short of top-notch basketball is expected after about one hour of play, as both teams chase the sole ticket to national games.

Both teams qualified for the regional games with unbeaten records and would like to extend the same form here.

According to Aga Khan Academy coach Jimnah Kimani, his side has some good dribblers and a formidable defence. They are ready for the match and playing St. George’s in the opener is a good buildup.

In another pool A match, hosts Kenyatta Mwatate take on Kwale County champions Mazeras. In Pool ‘B’, St Mary’s Lushangoyi of Taita Taveta play Mpeketoni of Lamu in their opening match.

In girls’ basketball, new champions will be crowned at the end of the three-day games after last year’s former champions Shimba Hills failed to qualify.

Murray Girls of Taita Taveta face Waa Girls of Kwale in a pool ‘A’ match, while Lake Kenyatta of Lamu play St. John’s Kaloleni of Kilifi. In pool ‘B’, Taita Taveta’s Mwakitawa take on Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa before facing Kaya Tiwi of Kwale County.

In boys’ hockey, champions St. Charles Lwanga of Mombasa start their title defence with a pool ‘A’ match against Kenyatta Mwatate, before facing former champions St. George’s in the second match. In pool ‘B’, St Mary’s Lushangoyi play Kinango of Kwale and later face Mombasa’s Shimo La Tewa School.

In girls’ hockey, champions St. John’s Kaloleni take on Matuga of Kwale and Murray Girls of Taita Taveta in pool ‘B’. In pool ‘A’, Bura Girls play Ribe of Kilifi and St. Charles Lwanga of Mombasa.

In rugby, which will be held at Wundanyi Stadium, will see title holders St. George’s face Mughalu of Taita Taveta in the opening match.

Wiyoni of Lamu play Timbila of Taita Taveta in pool ‘B’.