SCHOOLS: Champions stand still lest they drown in pool of stirred waters

Githurai High School's goalkeeper Pefer Kihuithia (right) challenges Meshak Nyabuto of Dagoretti High School. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Dagoretti Mixed are two matches away from retaining the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nairobi Region Girls' football title.

On Thursday, they defeated rivals Beth Mugo High School 2-0 in their quarter-finals match at Moi Forces Academy.

Junior Starlets star Rebecca Odato and Penina Wairimu were on target ensuring Dagoretti Mixed secured their place in the last four.

Dagoretti Mixed coach Joseph Orao said his girls are determined to maintain the status quo, even though competition is very stiff.

"The standards of the game have improved, which means there's no easy match. We want to make another attempt on the national title, which means that we must overcome the regional hurdle by retaining our title," Orao said.

Going into the semis, Orao said his charges will have to be at their best because there is no room for mistakes.

"This game is very crucial and we can't lose our guard now because any mistake could be very costly."

Dagoretti Mixed will today take on St George's in the semi-final.

St George's edged out Huruma Girls 2-1 in the quarters. The second semis tie will see Soweto Academy take on Dandora Secondary.

Dandora beat Kibera Girls Soccer Academy 3-2 in post-match penalties after their quarters clash ended in a barren draw.

Soweto also qualified for the semis after ousting Embakasi 2-1 in post match penalties. Their match had ended in a 2-2 deadlock.

In Eastern region games in Kitui, East Africa girls' volleyball champions Kwanthanze announced their intentions to retain their title with a straight sets win over St Anns Kiriari in Group A.

Kwanthanze, who are looking to recapture the national title they lost to Kesogon last year, took the first set 25-15 before overpowering their opponents to take the second 25-2 and the third 25-11.

In another Group A match, Ilika beat Moyale Girls 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-15) to improve their chances of advancing to the semis.

In the boys' contest, Itaara registered a 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 25-14) victory against Gadamoja in their opening Group A match, while Kandwia dismissed Kamutu 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-19.

In Group B, Matiliku survived a scare to force a 3-2 ( 15-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14) win over Kibaoni. 

Netball champions Syumile showed class as they wiped the floor with hapless Kajiampau. Syumile won 73-6.