Schools in tight race for national championships

The race for slots in this year’s Airtel Rising Stars national secondary schools Term Two ‘B’ games is on, with various regions set to pick teams for the championships.

Nakuru Region games will come to a close on Friday at the Kapsabet High School with boy’s and girl’s football finals taking centre stage.

Former national champions Itigo High of Nandi County will take on Moi Girls Kapcherop of Elgeyo Marakwet in the girl’s final. Itigo booked a place in the final after thrashing Meswondo of Bomet 6-0 in a one-sided semi-final while Moi Girls Kapcherop beat Emburu of Nakuru 3-0.

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In the boys’ category, Kongoi from Nakuru beat Abrar of Uasin Gishu 4-0 in first semi-final to set up a date with Chemase from Nandi County. Chemase beat Boito from Bomet County  1-0. The teams will now battle it out for a chance to represent the region at the national championships set for Kakamega High in August.

The remaining seven regions will hold their finals next week in different venues across the country.

Metropolitan Region games will be held in Oloitoktok in Kajaido County from July 17 to 19 and will involve schools from Nairobi, Makueni, Machakos and Kajiado.

National football champions Upper Hill who retained their county title last weekend are favourites to retain the title.

Upper Hill coach and principal Peter Orero said his team expects a bruising battle at the games.

“Every team  at the regionals is good and that is why they have qualified. We have to be at our best and hopefully retain the title,” he said.

In Nzoia region, the football draw has thrown up a clash between former football powerhouses Kakamega High School and St Anthony’s.

The two are in the same pool that also includes Turkana County champions PAG Secondary and Bungoma County representatives Chesamis High School.