East Africa handball champion St Joseph's Kitale and national hockey champions St Anthony’s Kitale are poised to defend their titles at the finals of the ongoing Rift Valley Secondary Schools Games at Hill School, Eldoret.
In girls' handball finals, Trans Nzoia’s St Joseph’s take on Nakuru’s Murundiko High on Saturday morning as they pursue the sole national slot.
The national event is set for the same venue later this month. Debutants Murundiko beat Elgeo Marakwet's Biwott Day 34-06 in the first semi-final while St Joseph’s narrowly defeated nemesis Nasokol Girls from West Pokot 29-23 to book the final date.
St. Joseph's coach Maurine Sitati said as much as they reached the final, they were subjected to poor officiating and unnecessary fouls that almost killed the spirit of the girls.
“This far we have come, we thank God but it hasn't been easy. We could have managed to score as many goals as possible but poor officiating curtailed us. All the same, we are ready for the task ahead," she noted.
Siatai said they are yet to play Murundiko and she expects a totally different ball game. " Our meetings with Nasokol have been regular and we knew what to expect. Murundiko are debutants and we really do not know what to expect," she said.
“We have no idea how Murundiko play because we have never played them. However, we are ready for them and I am confident they will not survive our attack. With the support of our principal Rosebella Orwaro, we are sure of dominating the final,” added Sitati.
In boys' handball, Nabunga will face West Pokot’s Kamito, who beat reigning champions Saniak 27-20 in the semifinals. Playing for the first at the finals, Nabunga’s coach Wesley Sanya said it will be exciting to face top teams in the region.
He revealed the last time they reached this far was in 2011 when they lost in the semifinals.
“We look forward to a good final and we hope we will land a slot in the nationals for the first time. We are well prepared for the finals because we have dedicated players. I know this team because we have played against each other,” said Sanya.
In hockey boys’, national and regional champions St Anthony's Kitale from Trans Nzoia face Nandi’s Kapsabet Boys in the final.
St Anthony’s who are also the East Africa bronze medalists have set their own target of not just retaining the national title but also the nationals.
In the semis, they beat Kericho’s Kabianga 2-0 with Gideon Kosgey and Elija Kariuki scoring a goal each to seal the final slot.
In the girls' hockey semis, national champions Tachasis lost to newcomers St Joseph’s Kitale 3-1 courtesy of penalty flicks.
In the other semi, Trans Nzoia sailed to the final after beating Tachasis from Nandi County 2-0 in the penalty flicks following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
With defending champions Kabianga eliminated in rugby 15s, a new champion will be made.
In the quarterfinals, West Pokot’s Ortum were 12-0 winners over Baringo’s Kabarnet Boys while Nakuru’s Jomo Kenyatta lost 3-12 to St. Anthony’s Kitale.
In the other quarterfinal, hosts Kipsombe were 6-3 winners over Kapsabet and Elgeyo Marakwet’s St Patrick’s Iten, who were last time finalists beat Laikipia’s Nanyuki 10-0.