Cheptil eager to reclaim FEASSSA boys' volleyball title
Cheptil coach Melly eager to reclaim the trophy
4d agoANGWENYI GICHANASports
National handball champions St Luke’s Kimilili Boys and Moi Girls, Kamusinga, have set their sights on the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) titles in Kakamega.
Kimilili, coached by Fernwick Opicho, narrowly lost 23-22 to eventual winners Adegi from Rwanda, in Mbale, Uganda, last year. They finished third after a 16-14 win over Hospital Hill in the third-place playoff.
On the other hand, Moi Girls Kamusinga, coached by national junior team coach Godfrey Simiyu, finished fourth after losing 24-16 to Uganda’s Mbogo.
Kimilili will start their quest for the regional title in Pool B against compatriots Manyatta Secondary, last year’s semi-finalists Wampewo Ntakke (Uganda), Kilombero (Tanzania), Uganda’s other representatives Gombe SS and a guest team from the Ivory Coast.
Kenya’s Highway and Kamito Secondary are in Pool A and face Rwanda’s E.S. Kigoma, Tanzania’s Kimondo, Bombo Army and Mbogo Mixed from Uganda. Speaking yesterday, Opicho said they have what it takes to lift the trophy.
“Last year, we lost in the semi-final by a score due to inexperience. Being our second year at regionals, I believe we have learnt lessons and gained the necessary experience,” said Opicho.
He added that playing in the national handball league, where they finished 11th out of 22 teams, has also been beneficial. “Featuring in the national and Western region leagues was part of our preparations,” he stated.
He further added that they have strengthened their bench power. “Last year, we didn’t have a strong bench, which partly led to our loss. However, this time, we have two powerful teams,” he revealed.
Kimilili’s Chief Principal Innocent Siro is also confident they will lift the title. He said, Kenya has always dominated handball whenever we host. This time, it’s our turn to lift the title,” said Siro.
“The boys have had adequate preparation and exposure because of playing against senior players in the leagues. They are ready to face any team,” noted Siro.
Moi Girls, Kamusinga, will launch their bid for the FEASSSA title in Pool B against compatriots Kadika, Mbogo High (Uganda), Maweni (Tanzania), ES Nyamgabe (Rwanda) and Gombe SS (Uganda).
The national 2023 champions, St. Joseph’s Kitale and Dagoretti Mixed from Kenya, are in Pool A alongside Kibuli SS (Uganda), Doingonya SS (Tanzania), and Kawanda (Uganda).
Moi Girls will bank on junior internationals Mirriam Yego, Sheila Amoding, Millicent Wanjala, captain Brigid Barasa, Brenda Amoit, and Lavenda Barbra in their bid for the regional trophy.
Simiyu said the players will be key in their bid for their fifth East Africa title. “The team has matured and is set for the competition. We have been here for a week preparing for the games. I’m confident we shall lift the title,” he noted. He said the exposure of the junior internationals will help his team against Ugandan rivals.
