National secondary schools football champions St Anthony’s Kitale have vowed to lift the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) title.
Speaking on Tuesday, coach Peter Mayoyo said: “We have what it takes to lift the regional title. It is our time.”
St Anthony’s. also known as Solidarity Boy, are set to leave for Huye, Rwanda, on Wednesday morning with the regional championships scheduled for August 17 to 27.
Mayoyo added: “The boys are mentally and physically ready to take on the opponents in Rwanda.”
They will face Tanzania’s Kalangalala, Amus College and St Henry’s College Kitovu from Uganda, CGFK from Rwanda, and Kenya’s other representatives Shanderema in Pool ‘A’.
Kenya’s other representative, Dagoretti, face a Herculean task against Uganda’s defending champions St Mary’s Kitende and Kibuli Senior School in Pool 'B'. Other teams in the pool are Kiwira Coal Mine from Tanzania and Rwanda’s Ecose Musambira.
“It’s a tough pool but I want to assure you that we must beat Shanderema. Those are three points in the bag already,” said a confident Mayoyo.
He said he is not scared of former regional St Mary’s Kitende and current champions Kibuli Senior School.
“We are equal to the task. I watched the two schools last year. I assure you they are beatable. However, those are not the only strong teams at the competition, all teams are worth competitors and we are ready for them,” said the veteran coach.
He at the same time confirmed that striker Adrine Kibet and center back Emmanuel Wanjala are headed to Nastic Soccer Academy (NSA) in Tarragona, Spain while midfielder Alvin Kasavuli will join Montverd Academy in Florida, USA.
“It’s a blessing to the school and a big step in their development. They are talented and disciplined players. I hope this will inspire more players and open doors for others,” Mayoyo added.
St Anthony will open their campaign on Sunday against St Henry’s Kitovu.
The championship match will pit hosts CGFK of Rwanda against Shanderema while Dagoretti will face multiple regional champions St Mary’s Kitende.
