Tigoi Girls dare defending champions St Cecilia Miskhu

Tigoi Girls hockey team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Tigoi Girls have one focus when the Western regional games begin on Thursday; to dethrone reigning hockey champions St Cecilia Miskhu.

Last year, Miskhu defeated Tigoi 3-2 in eight seconds (post match penalty flicks) to be crowned champions and coach Moses Wawire is confident his girls will earn their revenge after having invaluable preparations this year.

Speaking to Standard Sports ahead of the championships, Wawire said Tigoi was not ready last year especially after the long layoff due to Covid-19 pandemic. He was forced to build a new team, which lacked cohesion and teamwork.

"I had a very young team. Most of those players had not played competitive hockey since 2020. It was tough on our part, and they could not handle pressure," said Wawire.

"However, this year we are ready. The team has been training well and I believe we will push beyond the barriers as we target to return to the nationals."

Tigoi Girls last played at the national games five years ago, a time that saw them finish runner-up in the East Africa games in Musanze, Rwanda. Trans Nzoia Mixed were the eventual winners.

In 2016, Tigoi Girls, despite not winning the national title, also finished runner-up in the East Africa games held in Eldoret. Sinyolo Girls emerged the champions.

Tigoi are in Group B alongside Shibuye, Kisoko and Moi Girls Kamusinga.

Defending champions Miskhu headline Group A that also has Mudavadi Girls, Nangina and Musali.