Buruburu Girls' basketball coach Julius Otieno believes his team are the dark horse as the national secondary school games start in Machakos on Tuesday.
Buruburu face defending champions Butere Girls', M-Pesa Academy and Nyakach in Pool 'A'.
Otieno sees their underdog status as a strategic advantage.
“We are walking into the tournament as the underdogs. I believe this will work in our favour. I see us topping the pool,” he said.
"We have a winning mentality. We will not be pushovers."
Buruburu begin their campaign against Central's M-Pesa Academy on Tuesday, face Butere on Wednesday and complete the preliminary matches against Nyakach on Thursday.
Otieno believes they can upset the champions' bid to retain the title since he has cracked their game plan.
“Most of the Butere players are from Nairobi. We know their game plan. When we meet, I expect nothing short of a resounding win,” the coach quipped.
Buoyed by their recent regional triumph over Olympic High School, Otieno believes his squad is primed for success. Buruburu beat Olympic High 43-30 in the regional final.
"Our girls are brimming with confidence. Reclaiming our regional crown has ignited our hunger for the national title,” he stated.
Discipline stands as the cornerstone of Buruburu's championship aspirations.
Otieno emphasizes; "Our discipline sets us apart. There's no pressure. Just focused on clinching the national title."
Girls' basketball
Pool 'A'
M-Pesa Academy
Butere Girls'
Buruburu Girls'
Nyakach Girls'
Pool 'B'
Nasokol Girls'
Kaya Tiwi
North Eastern
Ikutha Girls'
