Netball: Nyakach takes on Kaya Tiwi

Monica Oguda of Kaya Tiwi beats Karurui Girls' Sara Wamaitha during their KSSA Term Two national netball games played at Kisumu Polytechnic. [Washington Onyango/Standard]

Nyakach Girls will meet defending champions Kaya Tiwi Girls in what would be a repeat of last year’s netball finals as the Kenya Secondary Schools National Term Two games ends in Kisumu today.

The Nyanza region champions defeated last year's semi-finalists Karuri Girls of Central region 39-17 to reach their second consecutive final and also book a ticket to East Africa games in Arusha, Tanzania.

“We have made it again to the finals and East Africa. Congratulations to the girls for the hard work and belief. Now we have our eyes set on lifting the national title,” said Nyakach Girls coach Sally Keta.

“We have been training hard. We know Kaya Tiwi is a strong team and we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after last year’s loss,” she said.

Nyakach lost 29-46 to Kaya Tiwi in last year’s finals and a win today will see them bag their first national trophy.

But Kaya Tiwi head coach Maryanne Obonyo remained adamant that her side is strong and will win the title for the third time in four years.

“Nyakach have come back stronger this year after learning from last years’ experience. They have the home support but we remain focused on the game. We are under no pressure at all because we have played well since Day One,” she said.

Nyakach will be banking on their star shooter Ephy Awuor and Velma Akinyi to win the match for them as the coastal champions expect their twins Melda and Monica Oguda to continue their impressive form.

The finals kick off at 9am at the Kisumu National Polytechnic grounds.