Netball: Nyakach Girls seek redemption in Kisumu

Nyakach Girls' Elizabeth Awuor (left) and Kaya Tiwi's Beryl Atieno in last year's final. [Jonah Onyango]

Nyanza Region Secondary schools netball champions Nyakach Girls will be eying a memorable second consecutive appearance at the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association national Term Two games that begin next week in Kisumu.

Nyakach lost 29-46 to Kaya Tiwi Girls in last year’s netball national finals and head coach Sally Keta is upbeat the in-form girls will improve from their last year’s performances.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Keta said they are coming back stronger and with the games being hosted in their county, they are charged up and ready to secure their ticket to the East Africa games for the second year running.

“We are anticipating a few minor adjustments and no big personnel changes as we look to rebound from last year’s disappointment. It was our first time at the nationals and seeing the girls perform so well in their debut year was amazing,” said Keta.

"The girls are passionate and enjoy winning. We hope to continue with the stellar performances we had during the county and regional games. Our eyes are fixed at the national title,” she said.

However, Okoro urged his girls to be cautious and remain disciplined as other teams will be out to stop them after their last year's exploits.

The Kisumu County champions are in a tricky pool B and will have to go past Western’s Bukokholo Girls, Eastern’s Syumile and Rift Valley champions Cheptil Girls.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect in both the national and East African games. We experienced top competitive games and with the training, we have been having, I am confident we will make it past our pool matches to the last four,” Keta said.

The other matches will feature defending champions and favourites Kaya Tiwi take on Baba Dogo Girls in pool A.