Moi Girls Eldoret basketball team have set their focus on a return to the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championships.
But first, the Eldoret-based school will be hoping to retain the county title when championships go down between March 24 and 25.
Head coach Delphine Nelima said the girls are on a mission, to chase university scholarships locally and abroad.
“As the hosts, we want to use home advantage to retain our title. The girls are determined to put on a good show on the way to the national championships as they seek to impress scouts, especially those from Strathmore University," said Nelima. "They play looking at the future."
Moi Girls’ will also host the national championships in April and Nelima believes this offers them a perfect opportunity to express themselves at home.
Nelima cited determination, teamwork and intensive training as the pillars of the team, who are seeking a first appearance at the national games since 2018, where they reached the quarters.
“The players are very positive and train on their own in the courts even when I am absent. We do a lot of physical exercises for endurance — where they run every morning and evening to keep themselves fit,” she said.
Moi Girls Eldoret beat Loreto Matunda in last year's final of the county championships to proceed to the larger Rift Valley regional games, where they fell to Nasokol Girls from West Pokot in the semifinals.
“We are a focused team and we must play well this time, not just to retain the title but as the hosts. We have to ensure that we keep the name of the school on top,” added Nelima.
They are in Pool 'B' alongside Seko Girls and Kerotet with the top two from each pool proceeding to the semifinals.
Pool 'A' has Sugoi, Wareng and Testimony, Pool 'C' has Drys and Loreto Matunda while Uasin Gishu and Nova School are in Pool 'D'.
In boys' basketball, Testimony and Wareng are in Pool 'A', with Moiben, Kapsoya and Uasin Gishu in Pool 'B'.
Pool 'C' has Paul Boit, Concord and Chebisaas with Pool 'D' comprising of Mother of Apostle Seminary, Kipsangui and Simat.
