Contest Recharged

By Oscar Pilipili

Archrivals Kapkolei of Nakuru and Aberdare’s Kerugoya girls’ hockey teams are pooled together in term two ‘A’ National Secondary Schools Championships.

The Championships will be held at Nakuru High on June 17-23.

Kapkolei are defending champions while Kerugoya owns East African trophy.

According to draws released by Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), Kapkolei and Kerugoya play their preliminary matches in Pool ‘A’ alongside Sinyolo of Lake Region and Mombasa’s Matuga.

Kapkolei and Kerugoya rivalry started when Kapkolei beat Kerugoya 1-0 in final played at Kakamega to dethrone the Aberdare team in 2011 edition of the games.

Former champions Misikhu start favourites in Pool ‘B’ that also features St Joseph’s of Metropolitan, Gategi of Northern and Nakuru’s second team Afraha.

Kamusinga presence

In the absence of great names like St Anthony’s and Kakamega who are both from Nzoia region, Friends School Kamusinga are likely to dominate boys’ hockey.

Kamusinga play their preliminary matches in Pool ‘A’ that also features Nakuru representatives Narok, Kangaru of Northern and Maseno of Lake region.

Pool B will see St Patrick’s Iten (Nakuru 2), St Charles Lwanga (Mombasa), Mangu (Aberdare) and Nairobi School (Aberdare) fight for semi-finals tickets.

Handball is one area that is featuring a number of newcomers. Pool ‘A’ comprises of Mangu (Aberdare), Makongeni (Metropolitan), Maseno (Nyanza) and Shimo La Tewa (Mombasa).

Those making maiden appearance at the nationals are Kathungi (Northern), Laboret (Nakuru) and Garissa (Garissa).

While releasing the draws, KSSSA secretary general David Ngugi said rugby draws will be conducted on the ground on the opening day of the Championships.

“Rugby sevens category has 14 teams, two each from seven regions, but draws will be conducted on the ground,” Ngugi told FeverPitch in Nairobi yesterday.