Upper Hill seek return to nationals

David Owino (left) and Ali Khamisi of Olympic High School in past action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former secondary schools national boys’ football champions Upper Hill are hopeful of conquering Nairobi teams and earn a ticket to this year’s national games.

They launch their region title quest today when the regional secondary schools Term Two B games start at different venues across the city.

They will be seeking a return to the national extravaganza after a four-year absence. They had a successful year in 2013, when they won the national gong, but their fortunes changed in 2014 after they failed to make it past the Metropolitan Region.

They were reduced to cheering squad after falling to Brother Beausang and reigning national champions Laiser Hill Academy, both from Kajiado. Lady luck, however, smiled on them this year when Laiser Hill returned to their original Rift Valley home following a directive from the Ministry of Education to revert to the old provincial boundaries.

With their tormentors out of the way, Upper Hill coach Joseph Makokha is confident of shinning this year.

“We have trained well and the desire to return the nationals is our major inspiration. The entire team is committed to this course and I believe that with teamwork, we will make it happen,” Makokha said.

Today, Upper Hill will take on Baba Digital Secondary School in their opening Group A match at Moi Forces Academy (MFA). Another Group A match will see Raila Odinga Educational Centre play MFA at Nairobi school. Last year’s Nairobi County finalists Olympic are in Group B and take will play Our Lady of Fatima at Upper Hill School, while Eastleigh High face Hidden Talents at the same venue.

The 1991 national champions Ofafa Jericho highlight Group A and will start their campaign against Dagoretti High at Sunshine School.

In girls’ contests, champions Olympic begin their title defence against Mout Laverna in their Group A opener at Upper Hill, as Our Lady of Mercy entertain Langata in their pool B encounter.

Hospital Hill and Soweto Academy will also be out to defend their boys’ and girls’ volleyball titles. Oshwal Academy Nairobi, Makini School and Shadrack Kimalel will be on a mission to exert their dominance in badminton, tennis and table tennis respectively.

Meanwhile, former national and East Africa girls’ volleyball champions Kwanthanze began their Eastern Region title chase on a winning note following a 3-0 victory over Kirigara. Seeking a ticket to the nationals after missing out last year, Kwanthanze toot the first set 25-15, won the second 25-12 and third 25-8.

Boys' football champions Kathungi defeated Marsabit Mixed 6-0.