Coast are prepared to reclaim title in nationals

Kisumu Day will host lawn tennis while Lions High School is the venue for badminton matches. [Standard]

In recent years, Coast region has not been shining at the racquet games during national secondary schools term two games.

But they expect to change the tradition in the three racquet disciples -lawn tennis, table tennis and badminton -when the showpiece starts in Kisumu on Tuesday.

Coast Secondary Schools Sports Association Secretary Omar Munga said they will parade a strong team.

“We want to be part of the winners in Kisumu and get medals. It's time we change the trend," Munga said.

Nairobi region has been dominating lawn tennis with Rift Valley and Western players enjoying the lion’s share in table tennis and badminton respectively.

Kisumu Day will host lawn tennis while Lions High School is the venue for badminton matches. Table tennis will be held at Kisumu Boys.

But the Coast team will miss the services of its top table tennis girl Parita Shah who is out of the country with her Oshwal Academy, Nyali for the school's tour. With her absence, the region will bank on Rose Karembo and Yvonne Maria for medals.

Alisger Jafferji leads the boys’ team in table tennis. Milliana Nzisa and Fatma Abdi will anchor girls’ lawn tennis with Kennedy Ngolya and Evans Nduku spear-heading the boys’ lawn tennis team.

Aasiya Kareem and Susan Adhiambo shoulders the region's medal winning hopes in badminton while Imran Kareem and Mwavadu Mwero fly boys’ badminton flag.

“Coast used to dominate racquet games some years back and we want to prove we have strong teams in Kisumu,” Munga said.

Coast contingent left Mombasa yesterday to Kisumu. Other teams are Kaya Tiwi School (netball), Serani Boys (Football under 16), Shimba Hills (boys football under 19), St Johns Kaloleni (girls football under 19), Waa Girls (football under 16), Shimoni School (boys volleyball) and St Johns Kaloleni (girls volleyball).