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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Laying Game Plan for East Africa Games

Pulse

By The Standard Sports | Aug 18, 2010

By Ben Ahenda

Kenyan coaches are burning the midnight oil, plotting for the downfall of Ugandan teams in boys’ football at the forthcoming East African Secondary School Games.

Uganda has, since the inception of the games in 2002, lifted the trophy six times, with Kenya and Tanzania keeping it once each. Kenya won the inaugural trophy through St Anthony’s in Nairobi in 2002, and has been chasing shadows since then.

The last time the title went outside Uganda was during the 2005 Championships in Mbarara, when Magongo did Tanzania proud by carrying home the coveted cup.

After the nationals in Kisumu last weekend, Kenyans are now looking upon local champions St Marks, Jamhuri, Waa and Laiser Hill to end Uganda’s dominance in the show set to run from August 20 to 29 in Nakuru. But the big question remains whether Kenyan teams have the ability to stop the charging Ugandans, led by cup holders St Mary’s Kitende.

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System Of Education

Experts argue that Kenyan teams must work extra hard to achieve the feat that has eluded them for the last seven years. Those interviewed said physical and technical aspects were the main undoing of Kenyan players.

Nairobi Secondary Schools Sports Association Chairman Maurice Okumu, who is also a coach said Advanced Level System of Education gives Ugandan teams an edge over Kenya, which has most players drawn from Ordinary Level schools.

He said: "The Advanced Level element has played a leading role in the success of Ugandan teams since it ensures developed players, especially in the technical aspect which is achieved over time."

Okumu underlined his argument by saying previous documents indicated players from Advanced Level had an average age of 20 and 21, while those from Ordinary Level averaged 17 and 18 years.

"It is no doubt that Kenyans are tactically superior than any team in the school games, but they need to work more on technical training to improve their endurance and speed," said Okumu.

Jamhuri Multi-Talented

"Jamhuri players are multi-talented, but they lose energy when it is most required due to inferior endurance," he said.

Of the four teams, Okumu described Jamhuri as tactically superior and St Marks physically superior. He said although Waa is a tactical team, it lacks endurance as seen during the Kisumu nationals.

Nyongesa Wandambusi, who coached Lang’ata to the national title last year, concurred, said there is a big imbalance between players from Ordinary Level of education and those from Advanced Level.

"If our four teams will field small boys, chances are that it will be the same story in Nakuru," said Wandambusi.

St Mark’s coach, Ken Onyando, however, expressed optimism that his boys are ready to take on any team, including the fancied Ugandans.

All the boys’ teams except Waa are making their first appearance at the East Africa Games. Waa finished 12th in the 2008 edition of the games in Kigali. Kakamega were 11th.