Archbishop Njenga Girls are back at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Championships with one goal in mind — reclaiming the football title they once dominated.
Veteran coach Fred Serenge, who has guided the Kakamega-based school to a record 19 national appearances, believes the team is ready to restore its lost glory after ending a three-year absence from the national showpiece.
The Western Region champions booked their place at the nationals after edging three-time national champions Butere Girls 2-1 in the regional final at Kanduyi Stadium last month.
Archbishop Njenga boast an impressive record, having won three national titles and four Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) crowns. Serenge now wants his side to end its trophy drought by capturing both the national and regional titles.
The KSSSA National Term Two Championships will be staged at MPesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, from August 2 to 6, with the top four teams qualifying for the FEASSSA Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, from August 12 to 23.
“I’m not underestimating any team. I don’t want to brag or brush aside any team because they all pose a serious threat. But as Archbishop Njenga, our target is to reclaim our trophies,” said Serenge.
The experienced tactician admitted this year’s squad lacks the star names of previous seasons but praised the players’ development and determination.
“Last year I had a star-studded team. The current team doesn't have any stars; it’s an average team that has made very good progress. They were all reserves in last year’s team,” he said.
Serenge believes the tough competition in Kakamega County and the Western Region has prepared his side for the national challenge. “If the team sustained the competition from Kakamega and the Western Region, then we can go all the way. We are not at the nationals just for this year—we want to dominate,” said the coach, who is renowned for developing young talent.
Reflecting on the team’s return, Serenge said the three-year absence had only strengthened the programme. “I believe we are on the right trajectory. The three-year absence from the national showpiece was just a lapse, but we have built a good team. My policy is to pick average players and develop them,” he added.
Archbishop Njenga have been drawn in the challenging Pool B alongside Nairobi champions Raila Education Centre, Misuuni Secondary and Central Region runners-up Thika Girls Karibaribi.
Pool A is equally competitive, featuring former champions Nyakach Girls, Rift Valley giants St Joseph’s Girls Kitale and Central Region champions Kiaritha Girls
. This year’s championships received a major boost after Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) unveiled a Sh20 million sponsorship package to support the event.
