Minnows St Alfred’s Alara has promised ‘something special’ when the Kenya secondary schools national championships get underway in Kisii on Sunday.
Alara will represent the Nyanza region in girls’ soccer alongside former champions Nyakach Girls. Alara upset Nyakach Girls 2-1 to lift the Nyanza region title at Kisii School a month ago.
On Thursday, Alara coach Eddy Ochuodho declared his team underdogs. “Being debutants, we are underdogs but we would like to urge our fans to expect surprises from us. We will shock teams at the nationals,” said Ochuodho.
He added: “We are humble. I will take one game at a time. Playing in Kisii is an added advantage because we are used to the terrain and the weather having played there during the regional championships.”
On Tuesday, Alara beat Kisumu All Starlets 2-0 in a friendly with captain Gertrude Amolo grabbing a brace.
Alara are in Pool ‘A’ together with regulars Dagoretti Mixed from Nairobi, Kombani (coast) and debutants St. Joseph’s from Kitale. Alara will make their debut against Dagoretti Mixed on Sunday.
“This is a tough group but our prayer is to qualify for the semis. Dagoretti Mixed are regulars at nationals and have the experience and confidence while St Joseph’s are coached by Ojolla who is a CAF instructor. We expect a tactically disciplined team,” said Ochuodho.
He hailed the school’s principal Cprian Songa and games teacher Willis Amuti for supporting the team. He thanked HEDSO a non-governmental organisation led by Joseph Ojuki and Joy Ogingo, who have been mentoring the girls.
Nyanza’s other representative, Nyakach Girls, who are the 2019 champions, headline Pool ‘B’ which also features defending champions Butere Girls, Kibauni (Eastern) and Central region’s Kinale.
Nyakach, under coach Crispin Odindo, will launch their campaign to reclaim their title against Kinale. Nyakach, popularly known as Plateau Queens, are also the Safaricom Chapa Dimba defending champions.
Yesterday, Odindo said Junior Starlets midfielder Velma Awuor will miss the championship due to a thigh injury.
“It’s a big blow but I hope we have replacements in that position. We don’t want to risk her because she has a bigger assignment for the national team which will see her travel to the Dominican Republic for the World U17 World Cup,” said Odindo.
He, however, said other Junior Starlets players Jenevieve Mithel, Sheryl Amuok and Christine Adhiambo are available for selection.
Further, Odindo said their target is to reclaim the title that they last won in 2019.
“We have what it takes to win the title. The girls have gained experience playing for Junior Starlets and featuring in the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament. If they follow our instructions, we can lift the title,” he added.
He said he has been working on his attacking which was the weak link during the regional championships in Kisii.
