Musingu Boys’ hockey coach Bramwel Lijoodi will train his players for a physical confrontation at the East African school games in Uganda from August 14-25.
Musingu beat St Anthony's Kitale 3-2 over the weekend to retain the national title and qualify for the regional games.
Lijoodi observed that his players were beaten for size when they fell 1-0 to Uganda's Kakungulu Memorial in last year's final.
Unlike in Kenya, where basic education ends at form four, Uganda's system extends to form six, fostering a robust pool of physically adept players.
"Kakungulu boasts a lineup of physical players, thanks to their extended education system. We're training to ensure we're prepared and surpass expectations when the games kick off," Lijoodi emphasised.
Musingu were in Pool ‘B’ of last year's games alongside Arusha from Tanzania, Ntare School and St Mary’s College Kisubi from Uganda.
Musingu beat St Mary’s 1-0, Arusha 4-1 but fell 2-1 to Ntare.
They beat compatriots St Anthony's Kitale 3-2 in the semis, only to fall 1-0 to Kakungulu. Lijoodi said experience will be key.
"We're primed for the crown. Last year's tournament taught us invaluable lessons that we'll leverage to our advantage," he affirmed.
Lijoodi will rectify errors observed during the national games, especially in attack.
“We want to erase the mistakes we made during the national championships. Our forwards need to capitalise on the chances we create,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mary Nyaboke of Keberesi High School targets a 1.500m podium finish in Uganda.
The 17-year-old clocked 4:25.1 to win the girls' race at the national school games in Machakos over the weekend.
Lina Chebet (4:26.9) and Dorcas Isoe (4:31.1) to the lesser of the podium slots.
Nyaboke noted: “I hope to get on the podium in Uganda."
“I have a slogan I follow — train hard, win easy. I will train hard to make sure I achieve my targets.”
Nyaboke dreams of emulating her idol, world 800m champion Mary Moraa.
"I aspire to be like Mary Moraa, a beacon of excellence in Kenyan athletics. One day, I aim to etch my name in the annals of national records," Nyaboke stated.
