Kamukunji and Langata in contest for Nairobi supremacy
St Teresa’s Girls’ player Hellen Nyawira (right) in a tussle for the ball with Olympic High School’s Christine Nafula during their Barclays-sponsored Nairobi secondary school sports association’s football semi-finals at the St Mary’s School. The finals will be played today. Photo/CHRIS OMOLLO
Kamukunji High School could have produced some of the best footballers in the country but have to navigate against a determined Langata High before they can book a ticket to the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championship in Malindi next month.
Indeed, it is in Malindi where the next generation of players will be officially introduced to the public. But in Kamukunji’s case, their alumni have set a trend which they must emulate.
Dennis Oliech, MacDonald Mariga, Jamal Mohamed, Patrick Oboya and Victor Mugabe nurtured their skills at Kamukunji. David Okello currently turns out for Premier League side Thika United.
Sophy Makoba who has seen the players mature at Kamukunji is sure that they would overcome Langata High to travel to Malindi.
She shares the same confidence with a parent Charles Handa who is assisting in coaching Kamukunji. Handas will rely on the striking force of Victor Odhiambo and Ali Hamisi who will be fed by a lively mid-field which has Tom Wango, Vintex Oduor and Daniel Makacha.
Former champions
The defence of Duncan Kimani, Mark Odhiambo and Marcus Wambua also gives Handas added confidence. Kamukunji saw off Aquinas 3-0 while Langata defeated former champions Ofafa Jericho 2-0 last weekend at St. Mary’s School.
Langata High coach Eric Ngongesa Wandabusi said reaching the final after bowing out in the semis last year was a big boost and Langata High was keen to go all the way to the national finals next month in Malindi.
He will be without inspirational captain David Gateri who is in Egypt with the junior national team.
Key to Langata’s success would be how quickly they can change the tempo of the game as they did against Ofafa Jericho last weekend. Wandabusi will rely on the experience of Kevin Omondi of Fifa Academy who recently returned from trials from the Czech Republic.
Omondi who has also played in the national under-20 team will be key in the absence of Gateri who turns out for Nairobi City Stars and was the best player in last year’s Copa Coca Cola.
In the girl’s category, St. Teresa’s will play Annointed.
