St Luke’s Boys Kimilili handball coach Fenwick Opicho has his sights set on a semifinal spot in the East African School games in Uganda in August.
The Bungoma-based powerhouse toppled champions Hospital Hill 21-15 to clinch the national title and a ticket to the regional games.
Opicho emphasised the pivotal role a semifinal berth could have in their quest for regional supremacy.
“Our target at the East African games is a semifinal spot. Once we achieve that milestone, the title will be within our grasp,” Opicho declared.
Attributing their success to participation in the national handball league, Opicho highlighted the team's tactical growth, enhanced time management and increased endurance.
“Participating in the league has helped the team tactically. The players have learnt about time management and built up endurance,” Opicho noted.
Captain Emmanuel Chesebe added: “Playing in the national league has elevated our spirits, fostering focus and discipline. We approach every game with a winning mindset.”
The team participates in the national handball league as Wakanda where they are 22nd in the 25-team league with 19 points.
At the national school games in Machakos, Kimilili beat Sabunley 50-20 and Handege 29-24 before losing 17-16 to Hospital Hill in the preliminary rounds. In the semis, they beat Saniak 31-19.
Opicho credited their triumph to rigorous training, fueled by the disappointment of missing out on the national stage last year.
“Our secret to winning is constant training. We have been training hard since missing the national championships last year.
Kimilili were knocked out by Musingu Boys in the Western region final. They appealed but lost.
“Our training regimen remains relentless as we gear up to defend our title next year, fully aware of the stiff competition ahead,” Opicho noted.
