Nyakach Girls celebrate after lifting the Nyanza region title/ANGWENYI GICHANANyakach Girls are determined to reclaim the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football title when the Term Two Games kick off at the MPesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, from August 2 to 6.
The Nyanza champions return to the national stage after edging St Mary’s Lwak Girls 1-0 to lift the regional title, with head coach Chrispine Odindo confident his side has the quality and experience to challenge for top honours.
Nyakach last won the national title in 2019 in Kisumu after defeating Itigo Girls 2-0 and are now targeting another successful campaign.
“We have experienced players who have represented the national U17 team, while others have played for us at both the national and East Africa championships. We are banking on their experience at the nationals,” said the veteran tactician.
Beyond the national competition, Odindo says the team is also focused on ending its wait for the elusive Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) title during the regional championships in Morogoro, Tanzania, from August 13 to 23.
Nyakach have been drawn in a challenging Pool A alongside Rift Valley champions St Joseph’s Girls Kitale, Coast representatives Kaya Tiwi and hosts Thika Girls.
Pool B features former national and East Africa champions Archbishop Njenga Girls, Nairobi’s Raila Education Centre, Eastern champions Misuuni Girls and Central region’s Kiarithaini Girls.
Commenting on the draw, Odindo acknowledged the difficulty of the group. “It’s a tough pool. We must work extra hard because all those teams are champions from their respective regions,” he said.
Nyakach, however, will be without national U17 goalkeeper Valarie Achieng, who is sidelined with a knee injury sustained while on national duty.
“She has a knee injury which she got while on national duty. She is definitely out of the nationals. However, we have an equally good replacement in Lavine Akinyi. She played an instrumental role during the regional championships in Homa Bay,” said Odindo.
The team has, however, received a major boost with the return of midfielder Beryl Awuor and striker Emily Adhiambo, who recently helped the Junior Starlets qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
“Achieng, Adhiambo and Awuor played for us up to the sub-county level before leaving for national duty. Awuor and Adhiambo will play a key role for us at the nationals. They have the exposure and experience of playing at the highest level, which will come in handy,” Odindo added.
