Champions Upper Hill face tricky test against Moi Forces and Peter Kibukosya in Nairobi regional games

Ofafa Jericho ' Jeff Andigo is tackled by a Lenana opponent during a past tournament/HANDOUT

Nairobi Secondary Schools Sevens champions Upper Hill face a tricky test when they meet Moi Forces Academy and Peter Kibukosya Secondary in the regional finals at Nairobi School tomorrow.

Upper School coach Eustace Sifuna believes his charges will step up after winning their two matches in the first round last weekend. They beat Utawala 26-0 and Garden Estate Secondary School 26-19.

“Last week was commendable. The boys navigated the pool well, but now the stakes get higher. Remember, only two teams qualify for the nationals, and therefore, we must be at our best to qualify. We hope to take one game at a time,” said Sifuna.

Nairobi School are placed in Pool C, where they face Hospital Hill and Dagoretti mixed. Nairobi School coach Allan Wanjohi is bullish about their chances of qualifying for the final. “The boys are in good shape, but we will have to step up our efforts and play with intensity after coming through the first,” said Wanjohi.

Former champions Lenana headline Pool ‘A’ and have a date with Jamhuri and Utawala. They will be seeking to go one place better than last year, where they lost in the semi-finals to Upper Hill. Ofafa Jericho will lead the charge in Pool B, where they take on Aquinas and Kibera, while Pool E will feature Dagoretti High, Garden Estate and Kangemi Secondary.

The top five teams in each pool, with the three second-placed sides, will qualify for the quarterfinals, with the tournament expected to be played over two days, with the finals scheduled for Saturday.

The two finalists will then proceed to the Term Two ball games slated for Kakamega from July 28 to August 3 In the girls category, Karen will be the team to beat in Pool ‘A’ as they take on Nembu and Kibera while Dagoretti Meixed, Kibera GSA, Mbagathi and Garden Estate will form Pool ‘B’.

Football, netball and volleyball regional finals will be played at Nairobi School, while Basketball 3x3 will be played at Upper Hill School. Lawn Tennis will be played Public Service Club, while badminton and table tennis will take place at Premier Academy and Oshwal Academy, respectively.