SCHOOLS: National champions Butere Girls and Madira Assassins aim higher in Rwanda

Madira Girls football team.[Courtsey]

Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) National football girls' champions Butere Girls High School will be aiming for the top prize as they begin their Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSSA) campaign against Kawempe Muslim of Uganda.

Butere Girls narrowly edged out Rift Valley giants Wiyeta Girls 1-0 to win their second national gong and head coach Howard Shikanga believes they have the quality to win the East Africa title.

"Nobody thought that we would emerge top in Kakamega last week but just as we believed in ourselves we are believing again in Rwanda.

"It will be different in Huye though considering the quality of teams playing but we are mentally ready to dance with the best," said Shikanga.

Kenya Women's Premier League side Madira Girls High School who finished third during the nationals will be playing Ziba Secondary School from Tanzania.

The Assassins who rewrote history last month after becoming the first Secondary School to qualify for the FKF top-tier local league are targeting to play better than they did in Kakamega.

"We believe that true preparation goes beyond time constraints. Our team at Madira is embracing this unique situation as an opportunity to showcase our adaptability and resilience.

"While the road trip poses its own set of challenges, it has fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players, turning the journey itself into a valuable bonding experience. Our goal is to arrive at the venue a day before kick-off with our spirits high and our determination unwavering," said Madira coach Nick Maleri.

National runners up Wiyeta Girls will play Sacred Heart Gulu from Uganda.