Dethroned queens Sinyolo eager to recapture crown

Millicent Adhiambo of Sinyolo Girls (right) tussles for the ball with Stacy Awuor Tigoi Girls during the 2020 Biro Lich High School championships in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Former national and East Africa hockey champions Sinyolo Girls are yearning to rise from the dust and reclaim their lost glory.  

Inspired by philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo who makes a clear distinction between ordinary people and champions when he says that everyone falls but the only difference is champions get up, they are keen to ascend to the top again.

Christened Sinyoritas, the five-time East Africa champions have been in the cold for the last two years and are now itching to return with a bang.

They made their intentions known after dominating Kisumu County games and winning the title with convincing victories.

Sinyolo captain Nichole Joy said their aim is to make up for the lost two years and go all the way to reclaim the East Africa gong.

“We have been out for the last two years and for some us who are in Form Four this is the last opportunity we have to excel in high school games.

“We have been training hard and we want to make the best out of our only chance because if we miss this one then we will sign off with broken hearts,” Joy said.

However, before they even think of reclaiming both the national and East Africa titles, they must maneuver their way through Nyanza Region hurdle and snatch the lone ticket to National Term One games in Kapsabet in April.

“Our strategy is a step at a time, there is only one ticket to national games and that is where our focus is right now even though playing at the East Africa games is our main objective,” she added.  

Her sentiments were echoed by team coach Alloise Owino: “It is like starting all over again because the standards must have improved in our absence but we have prepared well and the girls are raring to go and play their hearts out.

“We want to recapture our rightful place but I know it won’t be easy and we must work harder to achieve our goals,” Owino said.

At the Nyanza games, Owino noted that they expect stiff competition from last year’s Nyanza champions Nyamira girls as well as former national winners Lwak Girls and Dede.

Sinyolo will rely on the brilliance of goalkeeper Millicent Adhiambo who also plays for Premier League side Lakers. Skipper Joy will lead Mitchell Akoth, and Angela Akello in the midfield.

Hilmah Magare, Hellen Anyango, Shanick Esther and Knight Ndombi will be tasked with ensuring that their defence is solid and that Adhiambo is not under frequent attacks from their opponents while Peninah Achieng, Elizabeth Juma and Conslate Awino will lead the goal hunt.

In the county finals Sinyolo thrashed Kisumu Girls 5-0 and will be going to the regional games full of confidence as they eye return to the top in the region once again.