National secondary school under 16 boys and girls football champions St. Anthony Kitale and Wiyeta Girls start their title defence campaign tomorrow as the Rift Valley Secondary School Sports Association (RSSSA) Term 2A kick off in Eldoret.
The championships brings together teams from 14 counties in the region.
Last year during the Term 2A national Games in Kangaru, St Anthony beat Wahundura from Aberdare region 1-0 in the finals while Wiyeta defeated Abwao Secondary 4-0.
The two teams start as favourites in their quest to defend their national titles.
The games will comprise of soccer, handball and netball, rugby sevens and athletics.
Hill School Eldoret will be the main games venue, hosting all the ball games, while athletics will be staged at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
In boys’ soccer, St.Anthony from Trans Nzoia are pitted against Menengai of Nakuru and Moi Sirgoi from Nandi in Pool ‘B’ while Cheptenye (Kericho), who failed to advance past preliminaries in the nationals will start against Peusang and Boito in Pool ‘A’.
Pool ‘C’ has Edana, Ortum and Bartolimo while Simotwo, Mwiruti and Ololunga will be battling in Pool ‘D’.
In the girls category, champions Wiyeta will meet former national queens Tartar Girls and Ololunga in Pool ‘B’ while Pool ‘A’ has Senior Chief Riisa, Anin, Carabete and Boite.
Ngeria, Boito and Saseta are drawn in Pool ‘C’ as AIC Sochoi, Babero and Sacred Hill Londiani lead the Pool ‘D’ onslaught.
RSSSA secretary Kirwa Koech said the teams are expected in Eldoret today with the action set to begin tomorrow through Thursday.
The organisers yestaerday held a referees’ clinic as they seek to improve on the level of officiating and eventually the integrity of the championships.
Kirwa said the athletics will be of great significance since World U18 scouts will be present as they potential talents for the July global event.
“Most athletes representing Kenya in the World Youth championships normally comes from secondary schools. We will be having a team to spot talent as you know Kenya will host the event in July,” said Kirwa.