St Mary's School Yala celebrate after winning the Nyanza regional football title at Raila Odinga Stadium/AnGWENYI GICHANAThrilling battles are expected as the KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games get underway on Sunday at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.
The five days of riveting action, running from Sunday through Thursday, will see new champions crowned across both girls’ and boys’ football, netball, boys’ volleyball, and boys’ rugby sevens.
In the boys’ football category, Nyanza champions St Mary’s School Yala will make their national debut against Menengai High School in a high-stakes opening match. Meanwhile, former champions Tononoka High from the Coast region face a tough encounter against fellow former champions Highway Secondary.
St Mary’s Yala coach Calvince Onyango emphasised that the “Black Saints” are targeting a perfect start.
“Our focus is to win the first match. It’s a must-win game for us. We want to go all the way and lift the title,” said Onyango.
Record winners Kakamega High School make their long-awaited return to the national stage after eight years in the cold, kicking off their campaign against North Eastern’s Takaba Secondary. Elsewhere, Mwenda-Andu will take on Tumaini.
Green Commandos coach Enock Luche expressed confidence ahead of their opener: “We want to start the championship on a winning note.”
In the girls’ football competition, Western region powerhouses Archbishop Njenga launch their bid to reclaim the national crown against Raila Educational Centre.
In another marquee matchup, 2019 champions Nyakach Girls’ lock horns with Rift Valley giants St Joseph’s Girls’ Kitale. Elsewhere, Kaya Tiwi entertains Kiarithia, while Karibaribi clashes with Misuuni.
New champions are guaranteed in both the boys’ and girls’ football divisions following the shock exits of last year’s winners—St Joseph’s Boys Kitale were eliminated during the Trans Nzoia County finals, while Butere Girls’ fell in the Western region finals.
In boys’ volleyball, Masara Mixed from Migori County are eyeing a dream debut against Furaha High School, while regular campaigners Ruthimitu battle it out with Chesamis.
Chesamis secured a late inclusion into the national roster following the disqualification of defending champions Malava High. Rift Valley champions Chepsaita make their debut against Central’s Kiambaa, as Moi Forces Academy face off with Matiliku.
In girls’ volleyball, powerhouses Kwanthanze Girls’ begin their title defence with a tricky fixture against St Martha’s Mwitoti Girls’.
Former champions Kesogon face Nyanza champions St Cecilia Aluor, while Nairobi champions Soweto Academy take on Mwanambeyu.
In netball, Kaya Tiwi seek a fourth national crown as they open against an unpredictable Raila Educational Centre. Nyanza champions Asumbi Girls face an acid test against Western region regulars Bukokholo Girls’, Moi Forces Kibwezi meet Andersen Mixed, and Kinale Girls take on Hon DM Amin from the North Eastern region.
The draws for rugby sevens and 3x3 basketball will be conducted on site, according to KSSSA secretary general David Ngugi. Additionally, baseball, cricket, lacrosse, beach volleyball, chess and scrabble are set to make their official debut at this year’s national championships.
