Hockey champions Nyamira Girls’ stormed the final of the Brookside National Secondary Schools Term One Games after an emphatic 4-0 win over Mpesa Academy in Friday's semifinal.
A brace from Laureen Auma, alongside strikes from Mercy Dawo and Bivian Ateka sealed the win.
Coach Eliakim Obondo praised his team's defensive fortitude while acknowledging areas for improvement, especially the forward line.
“The game was good despite the poor state of the field. The slippery ground thwarted some of our attacks,” he noted.
He praised his defence for putting up a solid wall, which leaves them unbeaten since the competition started on Tuesday, keeping clean sheets in every game.
They walloped Pangani 4-0 in their Pool ‘A’ opener on Tuesday, beat Tigoi 1-0 and secured another 1-0 win over AIC Nyayo in their last preliminary encounter.
“We have not conceded any goals due to our strong midfield. We bossed the midfield in each game we played,” Obondo noted.
“My forward needs to be accurate. They did not capitalise on some of the chances we created. We will have to improve on that before Saturday's final,” he added.
It will be a repeat of the 2023 final after Tigoi beat St Joseph’s Kitale 2-1.
Obondo refers to the match-up as a ‘Mashemeji Derby’ but underscores his clear resolve to retain the national crown.
“We have beaten every opponent we have faced. The ‘Mashemeji’ derby between us and Tigoi has never been easy. We are, however, determined to retain our title by all means,” he said.
"I know my girls are focused and determined. We walk into every game with a winning mentality.”
Victory over Mpesa Academy showed their intent to defend the national and East African titles.
“Winning the match with a 4-0 scoreline shows our intention to defend our titles,” he added.
The boys' final will also be a repeat of last year's decider with St Anthony's Kitale battling Musingu.
St Anthony's beat Nairobi School 2-1 in the semis while Musingu dismissed St Charles Lwanga 4-2.
