Stage set for national games as regions name teams

Kathungi School of Kitui edged their Isiolo County counterparts Isiolo Boys 1-0 to defend their Airtel Rising Stars Highlands region title. Hamisi Salim’s 30th minute goal from a free kick was enough to give Kathungi their fourth regional gong in a row and sixth overall.

Kathungi coach Ibrahim Naika told Feverpitch that his players, who will be making a fourth consecutive appearance at the nationals, will bank on the experience gained over the years to bag this years title. "We have been working very hard but have not enjoyed success at the national level despite dominating our region. This year we are determined to use our experience to change our fortunes. For the past three years we have left the nationals without the trophy but with valuable lessons," Naika said.

In the girls contest, Kirigara beat Moi Girls Samburu 2-1 to retain their crown. In the semis, Kirigara routed Ntunene 2-0 while Samburu dismissed Katutu by the same score.

In volleyball, Gankaka beat Kyatune to lift the girls trophy while Kanyambora humbled Gachanga 3-0 to be crowned boys champions.

Elsewhere, all the seven regions have named their representatives of the National Secondary Schools term two ‘B’ games to be held in Kisumu from August 1 to 7.

Most of the giants were felled at the regional games, which concluded at the weekend at various sporting venues across the country.

Several teams will be making their maiden appearance at the national games to be used by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association to select teams for the East and Central Africa School games to be held in Eldoret from August 21 to 27.

Former champions, St Anthony, Tononoka, Kisumu Boys, Upper Hill School were some of the casualties who were knocked out at the region level. In girls football, Matuu Memorial and Jera are some of the big names that failed to make past regional level.