Stars that keep shinning at national games

Kamkunji High School's goalkeeper Jane Wangui in action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The few defending champions, who qualified for the national secondary schools Term Two games will need to be in their best shape if they are to avoid shocks that were seen at the county and regional games, last weekend.

Newbies, who stunned most regulars at the national games, will be keen on maintaining their giant-slaying tactics when the games start tomorrow in Nakuru.

Reigning national and East Africa girls' volleyball champions Kwanthanze of Machakos have been a dominant force at the games.

Coached by Justin Kigwari, Kwanthanze are yet to face stiff competition at the county and regional level, where they won all their matches without conceding a set.

"It won't be business as usual at the national games, but we have prepared well for our opponents," said the coach.

Kwanthanze have been supplying top volleyball clubs KCB, Kenya Pipeline and Prisons Kenya with quality players.

Cheptil Secondary School boys' volleyball team have also been regulars at the national games and this year, things are not any different.

They will be representing Rift Valley and have been drawn in pool B together with Namwela (Western), Gikondi (Central) and Kaundu (Eastern).

Laiser Hill from Rift Valley (boys' basketball) and Kaya Tiwi of Coast (girls basketball) need no introduction to the national games. They have won the title several times and their qualification to this year's national games proves they are among the title contenders.

They should, however, expect strong opposition from newcomers Dr Aggrey School from Coast, Nairobi's Dagoretti and Friends School Kamusinga.

Tigoi and Loreto Limuru are back in the fold, where they'll challenge Kayi Tiwi. Last edition's champions Buruburu of Nairobi are missing in action.

In girls' hockey, St Celiclia Misikhu from Western and Nyanza's Nyamira Girls are some of the title favourites, while Friends School Kamusinga, Kisumu Day, St Anthony's Kitale and Mang'u High School, are expected to produce some sparks in boys' hockey.

In football, new champions will be born after St Anthony's Kitale were knocked out at Rift Valley regional finals by Kabarnet Secondary School.

Serani from Coast, who won the 2019 under-16 school games crown, are loaded with talents from the Bandari Youth Academy. Bukembe from Western and Nyanza's Kisumu Day School will also be seeking to lift the coveted title.