KIBWEZI KEEP EYES ON THE PRIZE: St Joseph's vow to reclaim girls' hockey title

Sauda Mshai of Pangani Girls struggle for ball possession with Treazer Mbinya , right, of St Joseph Girls Kibwezi at Machakos Boys High school during the Metropolitan 2nd Edition 2014 games at Machakos Boys High School on Thursday, 28th March, 2014. Photo/Jonah Onyango.

After reigning supreme in girls’ hockey, St. Joseph’s Kibwezi may have lost steam, but are now ready to reclaim their top position.

Perhaps borrowing some wisdom from American athlete Mia Hamm, who said it is more difficult to stay on top than to get there, Kibwezi have vowed to have the last laugh.

It has been somewhat a bumpy ride for the former champions in their campaign. St Joseph’s, who have been a dominant force in the region, failed to qualify for last year’s national games. They lost to Moi Girls Nairobi.

According to the team’s coach, Gabriel Ndunga, his girls will aim for victory during this year’s Metropolitan Region games and book a ticket to the nationals games.

“My girls were heartbroken when we failed to qualify for the national games and we don’t want a repeat this year. We have vowed to settle for nothing less than victory.”

Ndunga added that his side has prepared well for the games and knows for them to realise their dream of qualifying for the national games, they must defeat Moi Girls Nairobi.

St. Joseph’s will draw inspiration from their 1-0 victory against Moi in January and according to Ndunga, they should not have a problem repeating the same feat.

“My girls are in good form and determined to make it. First, we must defeat Moi and take our trophy back.”

The team will rely on the services of goalscorer Bahati Mbeli, forward Patricia Kyule, midfielders Eunice Mutuku and Cecilia Mutuku.

Like many teams, St Joseph’s will also be without key players, who sat for their Form Four exams. Nonetheless, Ndunga is not a worried man.

Mbeli scored St Joseph’s all important goal as they defeated Barazani 1-0 in the Makueni County games at Makindu Boys to book their ticket to the regional games.

On their way to victory, St Joseph’s defeated Kiteta 7-0, while Barazani won 4-0 against Ikungu in the other semifinal.

In the boys’ category, Kathonzweni lifted the title after beating Makueni Boys 2-1 a in a penalty shootout in the final. Their match ended 0-0 after normal time. Kathonzweni defeated Matiliku 2-0 in the first semifinal, while Makueni won 5-4 in a penalty shootout against Ikungu in the other semi.

Kasikeu are the new Makueni champions following their 3-0 win over Nduluku in boys’ rugby. Kelvin Ngila’s drop goal was the invaluable difference for Kasikeu. For Nduluku, however, felling giants Makueni Boys 5-4 in the semis was a great achievement. Kasikeu defeated Kathonzweni 15-5 in the other semi.

Moments later, Kasikeu added their second crown after their 34-16 win over Kikumini in boys’ basketball. Kasikeu defeated Kalulini 41-38, while Kikumini ended Makueni’s run by a half basket (43-42) to book tickets to the regional games.

Good Shephard are new girls’ basketball winners after they defeated Kisingo 28-21.