Schools: Former boys' football champions seek success in Nyeri

Upper Hill unrelenting ahead of nationals

SCHOOL GAMES, NAIROBI . Highway Secondary School's George William (right) and Kevin Oduor of Upper Hill Secondary School's Mohamed Hamud (left) and during Nairobi Secondary Schools Term 2B Games at Lenana High School on Sunday, June 18, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

After failed attempts, Nairobi Region winners hope this will be their chance to shine.

Former boys' football champions Upper Hill are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for their return to the big stage at this year's secondary schools national Term Two B games next week in Nyeri.

They return to the nationals after a three-year absence. They have not gone beyond the Metropolitan Region since 2014.

The Ministry of Education's order to revert to old provincial boundaries was a blessing in disguise for the 2013 champions after schools from Kajiado County moved back to their original Rift Valley home.

For three years, Upper Hill suffered at the hands of their Kajiado counterparts.

First, it was Brother Beausang, who locked them out of the 2014 national finals. Then came Laiser Hill Academy, who tormented them in 2015 and 2016. In both finals, Upper Hill came out second-best.

However, their pain and heartbreak ended this year when they were crowned Nairobi Region champions after they secured their ticket to the nationals. They defeated Highway Secondary in the final.

To ensure they leave a mark on the games, Upper Hill have been doing serious preparations ahead of the games.

Upper Hill coach Joseph Makokha said they were eyeing the trophy, therefore needed to work harder in training and remain disciplined and dedicated to their course.

"We have waited for long for this opportunity and that is why we are all committed to making it count. We are working hard to ensure we return as champions," Makokha said.

He added that the team has been working with different coaches.

"I believe the coaches will help the players in their matches. They need different skills for each match."

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee and Talanta FC tactician Edward Karanja are among those assisting the team.

Exuding confidence, Makokha said his players were equal to the task and that he believes they will achieve their purpose.

He singled out Erick Mulu and Monyping Madol to do well in Nyeri. They featured in the Under-16 national finals.

A lot is at stake for key players Kelvin Oduor, Duncan Okinyi, and Ramadhan Abdalla, who have been in the team since 2014. They have lost three consecutive regional finals. This is their last chance to taste national glory before they sit for their Form Four examinations.

Upper Hill are in Group A with St Anthony's Kitale, Ramisi of Coast, and Kanga of Nyanza. Group B has 12-time national champions Kakamega, Passenga, Kathungi, and a North Eastern representative.