Kwale Girls raring to go: Coast region's representatives warn opponents not to underrate them

Mwanahalima Adam (left) of St. Johns Girls High School battles for an aerial ball with Winnie Atieno (right) of Kwale Girls High School in one of the girls quarter final soccer match during the Coast Region Secondary Schools Term 2B games at Shimo la Tewa High School, July 15, 2016. St. Johns won 2-0 but both teams qualified for the semi finals. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Coach Amboko says his girls ready to make a mark at national games.

With days left to this year’s national secondary schools Term Two B Games in Nyeri, Kwale Girls are raring to go.

Granted, this will be their first appearance at the games, but that does not stop the Coast Region representatives from dreaming of glory in girls’ football.

This is the message by debutants Kwale Girls School who will be representing Coast region in girl’s football, which starts next Tuesday.

“My players are in great shape and we hope to perform well.

“We want to emulate our sisters St John’s Kaloleni, who won last year’s title," Kwale Girls coach Mukasa Amboko said.

“My girls lack the experience in playing at this level, but that should not mean we will not do our best in Nyeri,” Amboko added.

Amboko said he will rely on 10 players, who turn out for Mombasa Olympics in the Women’s League.

“My girls might lack the experience to play in school games, but they have enough exposure in competitive football. This will be an added advantage,” the coach said.

“We are having a good season; from sub-county to the regional finals and we expect to maintain the good run in the national games.

“We have what it takes to make sure the trophy remains in Coast Region,” Amboko said.

“We start our title chase with a match against former champions Wiyeta from Rift Valley. This will be a tough match, but we must be at out best.

“We drew 2-2 with them during the national Under-16 football championships in Shanzu, Mombasa three weeks ago. We want to have better results in the opening match. It is critical," the coach added.

Amboko has sought the services of St John’s Kaloleni coach Joseph Oyoo, who also handles Mombasa Olympics, to assist him in preparing the girls.

“We have done some research on all teams at the national games and realised that we stand a chance of winning the title,” Amboko said.

Meanwhile, Nyanza Region girls volleyball champions St Anne’s Sega are optimistic they will perform better at this year’s Secondary Schools National Term Two B Games next week in Nyeri.

They are seeking improvement on their 2016 fourth place finish.

They are also seeking to qualify for the East Africa Games set for August in Gulu, Uganda.

With fewer slots in the regional extravaganza, they have worked out their plan and the first step is to top their group.

Sega coach John Duro said that he believes that if they Group B then they will earn a ticket to Gulu.

“We are in a tricky pool and winning all our preliminary matches will increase our chances of qualifying for the East Africa Games which is our main objective,” Duro said.

Sega have to overcome two-time East Africa champions Kwanthanze, 23-time national winners Lugulu and Eastern Region representatives in Group B.

If they reach the semis, then they will have to beat any of the top two in Group A that comprises Nairobi’s Soweto Academy, St John’s Kaloleni of Coast, Cheptil of Rift Valley and debutants Passenga of Central.