Nyakach Girls’ Plateau Queens are ready to defend their Chapa Dimba title when the national championships get underway in Kisumu on Thursday.
However, coach Chrispine Odindo admits they face an arduous task in retaining the title they won last year at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
“We are under pressure to retain the title. The other teams have prepared well but I want to assure you that Nyakach is also ready to defend the title,” said Odindo.
Speaking to the Star on Monday, he added: “All the teams are tough since they are champions from their respective regions. We have not encountered them before but with the preparations we have had, I am confident we shall retain our title.”
Odindo said playing at home will be an added advantage.
“The 12th man is critical. I am appealing to our fans in Kisumu to turn up and cheer the girls,” added the veteran coach.
He regrets the absence of key players through injury.
“The medical team is working round the clock to ensure they are fit before Thursday,” he noted.
During the Nyanza region finals played in Kisumu in October, Plateau Queens overcame Victoria Sports Academy 4-3 on post-match penalties. They drew 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Plateau's campaign starts against Coast’s Changamwe Queens on Thursday at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, as Western region’s Brenda Girls' battle Syomunyu.
At Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Nairobi’s Dagoretti Mixed will battle Rift Valley powerhouses Wiyeta Girls as Barcelona Ladies from Central entertain Wajir Girls'.
The girls' semifinals will be held on Friday while the boys' last four matches are set for Saturday. Both finals will be on Sunday.
Winners in the boys' and girls' categories will bag Sh1 million each with the first runners-up pocketing Sh500,000. Semi-finalists will get Sh250, 000.
Top scorers, most valuable players and best goalkeepers will receive Sh50,000.
An All-Star team will be assembled after the national finals for a 14-day boot camp in Spain.
Chapa Dimba director Chris Amimo said: “This tournament has been a platform for young talented players to showcase their talent. Some have been selected in the national U20 squads and others travelled to Spain for boot camps.”
