KSSSA: Green Commandos back where they belong as Luche targets record-extending 15th national title

Kakamega High coach Edwin Luche believes the Green Commandos have what it takes to reclaim their place at the summit of school football after backing his side to win a record-extending 15th Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football title.

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The Green Commandos, Kenya's most successful school football team, return to the national championships for the first time in eight years after ending their long absence by winning the Western Region title.

This year's KSSSA National Games will be held from 2 to 6 August at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, with the top four teams earning qualification to the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Championships in Morogoro, Tanzania, from 13 to 23 August.

Luche, who joined Kakamega High in 2024 with the mandate of guiding the Green Commandos back to the national stage, believes the team has already taken the first step towards restoring its dominance after defeating rivals Musingu High 2-0 to lift the regional crown.

"We are back where we belong. I am happy to have been part of the technical bench that has helped Green Commandos return to the national championships. It has taken a lot of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice from everyone involved, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far," Luche said.

"We have achieved one of our objectives, but a much bigger challenge lies ahead. Our target now is to win the national championship and qualify for the East Africa Games. That is what everyone in the team is working towards."

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Luche acknowledged that lifting the title will not be straightforward, insisting every team that has qualified deserves respect after emerging from highly competitive regional championships.

"We are not underestimating any team at the nationals because every regional champion has earned the right to be there. There are no easy matches at this stage, but our players understand what is expected of them. They are mentally prepared and ready to fight for the title."

Kakamega High has been drawn in Pool B alongside Eastern Region champions Tumaini, hosts Ruthagati, and Northeastern representatives Takaba.

Pool A promises a fierce battle, with former champions Highway Secondary, Nyanza champions St. Mary's School Yala, Rift Valley debutants Tenwek High, and Coast champions Tononoka High all battling for the semi-final places.

Despite what appears to be a favorable group, Luche says his players will not take any opponent lightly.

"We respect every team in our group because they all deserve to be here. Our ambition is to win every match, but we know that will only happen if we continue working harder than everyone else. We have to be disciplined, smart, and maintain our identity on the pitch."

The experienced tactician also praised the school's administration for providing the environment needed for success, singling out Chief Principal Aliva Luvaso for supporting the team's ambitions.

He also welcomed the decision to stage the tournament at the MPesa Foundation Academy, saying the venue will provide an ideal stage for quality football.

"The school management has been very supportive throughout our journey, and we are grateful for that. The facilities at MPesa Foundation Academy are among the best, and I believe they will allow the players to express themselves and showcase entertaining football during the tournament."

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The Green Commandos' technical bench also includes newly appointed Shabana first assistant coach Hesbon Nyabinge, Eric Muranda, Clifton Lugalia, Samuel Oindo, Vincent Misikhu and Eric Chisutia.

With a place at the FEASSSA Championships also at stake, Luche is confident his players are prepared for the challenge beyond the national competition, revealing they have already tested themselves against Ugandan opposition.

"We have played friendly matches against Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College from Uganda, so we have an idea of what to expect if we qualify. They are good teams, but they are beatable. Right now, though, our full focus is on winning the national title before we start thinking about East Africa."