SCHOOLS: St Joseph Girls Kitale target more glory ahead of nationals in Kisii

St Joseph Girls Kitale football girls team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

After an impressive performance during the Kenyan Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One finals, Rift Valley champions St Joseph Girls Kitale, commonly known as JOGA, are gearing up for another showdown at the Term Two national finals in Kisii next week.

Following their success at Machakos Boys High School and Machakos University, where they clinched the rugby 15s title and secured a bronze medal in hockey in April, St Joseph Girls are determined to build on their achievements and aim for even greater success.

In the Term One games, JOGA's hockey team not only finished third, but also earned a spot in the East Africa games, which will be next month in Gulu, Uganda.

St Joseph Girls Kitale fans celebrate after their win at the regionals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Although rugby 15s, a pilot project, hasn't yet been introduced at the East African level, their victory was a testament to their sporting prowess.

As they head into the Term Two national finals, St Joseph Girls will be fielding three teams, with aspirations of sending more squads to the East Africa games.

For the first time, JOGA qualified for the nationals in both football and rugby Sevens, signaling a historic achievement for the school.

Flavian Khatenje in action for JOGA during the regionals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In an electrifying final at the Rift Valley Region Secondary School games, JOGA triumphed over Nasokol from West Pokot with a 2-1 victory, clinching their first-ever regional title in girls' football.

This remarkable feat has set the stage for their debut at the national level, where they will face formidable opponents in Group A: Nyanza champions Alara from Homa Bay, Dagoretti Mixed from Nairobi, and Kombani from Coast.

JOGA with the football and rugby titles. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Erick Sichangi, the football coach of St Joseph Girls, expressed his pride in the team's regional victory and outlined his strategy for the national competition.

"Winning the regional title was a significant milestone for our school. It demonstrated the hard work and dedication of our players. At the nationals, we are in a tough pool, but our goal is to focus on our strengths, play our game, and capitalize on every opportunity. Our preparation has been intense, and we believe in our ability to compete at the highest level," Sichangi said.

"Our key to success will be maintaining a solid defense and quickly turning defense into attack. We have worked on set pieces and are confident that we can use them to our advantage," he added.

Kisumu Girls' Valentine Kwamboka chase Sofia Nasimiyu of Purples Ferns of St Joseph's Girls during Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term One games in Machakos County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In rugby Sevens, St Joseph Girls will also be making their first appearance at the nationals.

Nelly Wamalwa, the rugby sevens coach, exudes confidence about their prospects at the nationals.

"Our victory in the regional finals was a huge boost for us. We have a talented squad, and our experience from the rugby 15s will be invaluable. Our goal is to replicate that success and win the national title in rugby sevens," Wamalwa remarked.

JOGA's participation in the basketball 3x3 national finals comes after a runner-up finish in the Rift Valley region.

Despite losing 18-14 to Nasokol, the team remains optimistic about their chances at the nationals.

St Joseph Girls Kitale Chief Principal Rosebella Orwaru (left) awards her players after winning Rift Valley Region title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

St Joseph Girls' head of sports, John Lusaka, outlined their overall ambitions, saying, "Our goal is to perform exceptionally well across all sports. Qualifying for the nationals in multiple disciplines is a testament to our school's commitment to sports excellence. We aim to send four teams to the East Africa games, showcasing the talent and hard work of our students."

With a strong contingent and a winning mindset, St Joseph Girls Kitale is poised to make a significant impact at the KSSSA National Term Two finals in Kisumu.

St Joseph Girls Kitale fans celebrate after their win at the regionals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Their journey from regional champions to potential national contenders highlights their dedication and ambition.

As they prepare to face some of the best teams in the country, JOGA's determination to succeed will undoubtedly inspire their performances on the field.