Experienced coaches back debutants to shine at KSSSA nationals

 Nyanza volleyball champions Masara Mixed (boys) and St Cecilia Aluor Girls will rely on the experience of their coaches as they prepare for a daunting debut at the KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Championships.

The two schools will make their first appearance at the national finals, set for July 28 to August 1 at MPesa Foundation Academy in Kiambu County.

While the teams are newcomers, their coaches are no strangers to the big stage. Masara coach and senior principal Tom Odhiambo Achilah guided Gogo Mixed to last year’s Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Championships, while Aluor Girls coach John Duro previously led Sega Girls to the national championships six times.

Duro is confident his side can make a mark despite being drawn in a difficult group. “The girls are looking forward to the nationals. We want to compete favourably, and we are hopeful of making an impact,” said Duro.

“Our target is to reach the semi-finals and then take it from there. We want to secure a place at the East Africa Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.”

Aluor Girls have been placed in the challenging Pool B alongside former champions Kesogon, regular campaigners Soweto Academy and Coast representatives Mwanambeyu. Pool A features multiple national and East Africa champions, Kwanthanze, Mwitoti from Western, Kahuro from Central and the North Eastern representatives.

Achilah believes his youthful Masara side has what it takes to compete with the country’s best despite their lack of national experience. “When I was transferred to Masara last year, I started building a team to defend the Nyanza title because, as a coach, I felt I had a responsibility to retain the regional trophy,” he said.

“I want to assure you that no one will take this title from Masara because I have a group of talented Grade 10 students.” Looking ahead to the national championships, Achilah remained optimistic.

“The opponents will be tougher at the national level, but I believe in my boys. They will work hard, and I believe they can return to Nyanza with the trophy.”

Migori County champions Masara have been drawn in Pool A alongside Kiambaa, newly crowned Rift Valley champions Chepsaita and the North Eastern representatives.

Pool B comprises Western champions Malava Boys, Rithimitu, Moi Forces Academy and Matiliku, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals.