School games: St Anthony’s eager to end six-year trophy drought

St Anthony's defender Salim Badi (left) and goalkeeper Issa Emuria collide in last year's games in Eldoret. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former national and East Africa secondary schools boys’ Under-19 football champions St Anthony’s Kitale have set their eyes on this year’s national crown.

The four-time national winners are looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2012 and restore their lost glory when the 2019 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national Term Two games begin next week, in Kisumu.

They go into this year’s championships as favourites having featured in the annual games for the last two years.

Having finished second and third in 2017 and 2018, the Solidarity Boys will be hoping that the gods of football will smile at them and be third time lucky.

St Anthony’s coach Peter Mayoyo said they are aiming higher and only aim at being crowned champions.

“We are determined to win the title. We played in the 2017 final and lost through penalties; we finished third last year and the boys are yearning to end the long wait,” Mayoyo said.

Mayoyo is a man full of optimism. He has been victorious in past schools events and the tactician does not want to relent.

He led fallen giants Mombasa High to six national titles and was at the touchline when St Anthony’s won two under-16 crowns.

Mayoyo, who was also triumphant with St Anthony’s in last year’s Copa Coca Cola Africa, will be looking to win his first title with the senior team.

“I’m yet to win the under 19 title since joining the school in 2014 and that is my goal this year. I have played in two finals but the results have not been in my favour, but my boys are equal to the task and I believe we can make it happen,” said Mayoyo.

The tactician will be banking on some players, who conquered the continent to lift the Copa Africa trophy, to deliver the national crown.

Top scorer Jacob Onyango and golden glove winner Issa Emuria will be looking to impress after breaking into the senior team.

Christopher Raila and Issa Lumumba, who were also instrumental in St Anthony’s Under-16 side, will also be out to prove their mettle.

Experienced Titus Kapchanga will lead Onyango and Elly Saenyi in hunt for goals while Dan Musamali and Salim Badi will be expected to strengthen their team’s midfield and defence respectively.

Mayoyo singled out Nairobi Region champions Dagoretti High as a team they expect to offer stiff opposition, terming them as championships favourites.

St Anthony’s will launch their quest in Group A alongside last year’s finalists Olbolsat from Central, Coasts Shimba Hills and North Eastern champions.

Dagoretti High highlight Group B that also has hosts Kisumu Day, debutants Mbooni Boys and Western winners. 

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