KATHUNGI READY TO DEFEND TITLE: Teams in chase of slots as Highlands Region games start in Meru

KISUMU DAY Vs KATHUNGI (SOCCER BOYS)
Milton Ayiro (left) of Kisumu Day tackles Solomon Nyangala of Kathungi during their semi-final soccer match yesterday. Kisumu Day won 3-1 to sail to the finals. 08/08/14. PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARDCaption

When this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Airtel Rising Stars Highlands Region games start today at Meru School, all eyes will be on boys’ football champions, Kathungi High School of Kitui County.

Kathungi would not have asked for a better opponent than Marsabit Mixed School, whom they play this morning as they get their title defence on the move.

The regional giants are eying a return to the national games and to achieve that, they have to hold on to their regional title.

The 2013 national silver medalists will also be eying a return to the East Africa school games to be held in Rwanda next month. Kathungi’s head coach Ibrahim Naika is confident that his charges will retain the regional title and go all the way to book their ticket to Rwanda.

“I have a very strong squad compared to what I had last year. Injuries also contributed to our dismal performance, but I am confident, we will shine,” Naika said.

Kathugi will have captain Ibrahim Shambi and James Mutua, who was voted the most promising player at last year’s national games, to do duty.

Their dependable striker Hamis Salim ‘Neymar’ Mohammed will also add to Katungi’s talent at the three-day games. Their campaign last year saw them lose to Kisumu Day in the semifinals and later fell to debutants Passenga 4-1 in third-place playoffs to finish fourth.

They are in pool B together with St Daniel’s of Taraka Nithi, Nyangwa of Embu, Kanyakine of Meru and Kirisia of Samburu Counties. Pool A has Tiitha of Meru, Kamiu of Embu, St Paul’s of Isiolo, Dakabaricha of Marsabit, Mutonguni of Kitui, Gatunga of Taraka Nithi and Samburu Mixed.

Ntunene Girls of Meru County will take advantage of home support to defend their girls’ football trophy. They are in pool B together with Logologo of Marsabit, Kisima Girls of Samburu, Mbitini of Kitui, Marimanti of Taraka Nithi and Kianjuki of Embu Counties.

Kirigara of Meru County are in group B with Chogoria Girls of Tharaka Nithi, Mbuinjeru of Embu, Merti Muslim Girls of Isiolo, Dakabaricha, Wamba Girls of Samburu and Katutu of Kitui County.

In volleyball, boys’ defending champions Gatunga Day of Tharaka Nithi County must be at their best as they seek to defend their title. They are in group A together with Samburu Mixed, Marsabit Boys, Kanyuambora of Embu, Kyuso of Kitui and hosts Gachanga and Githongo.

Pool B consists of Ndaruni of Taraka Nithi, Ngungani of Kitui, Sacred Heart of Isiolo, Nyiro B of Samburu, St Paul's of Marsabit, Gataka of Embu and Miruriri of Meru County. Girls' volleyball champions Gankanga are in pool B together with Kirigara, Yoder of Embu, Loyangalani of Marsabit, Marimanti, Kisima, and Gikumene of Meru. Pool A has Dakabaricha, Chogoria, AIC Moi of Samburu, Ngaremara of Isiolo, Akui of Meru, Ciera of Embu and Kyondoni of Kitui.