School Games: Butere Girls kick off title defense with big win over newbies Dr. Charles
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 29.07.25. | 21:59
Butere, who missed the nationals for nine years before making a comeback in 2023, are now chasing a historic third straight title, a feat previously only achieved by giants Wiyeta Girls
Butere Girls launched their title defense in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 5-0 victory over newcomers and Eastern Region representatives Dr. Charles in a Group A match of the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) girls’ football competition staged at St. Ignatius Mukumu.
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Butere, who missed the nationals for nine years before making a comeback in 2023, are now chasing a historic third straight title, a feat previously only achieved by giants Wiyeta Girls.
Coached by Harold Shikangwa, the reigning champions wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match.
Barely two minutes into the game, Junior Starlets attacker Lorna Faith dribbled past her marker and calmly rolled the ball into the net, setting the tone for the Red Commandos.
In a touching moment of solidarity, the team celebrated by lifting a jersey of their sidelined teammate Joy Angela Valencia, who recently underwent successful knee surgery, dedicating the goal and win to her.
Nine minutes later, Lorna turned provider, setting up Noeline Akuku, who went on to score a brace, giving Butere a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
After the restart, Butere continued to dominate possession and toyed with their inexperienced opponents, even resting several key players.
Still, the goals kept coming, Joy Marvelous and Metine Kitiavi each added one to round off the score at 5-0.
The result puts Butere firmly in the driver’s seat in Group A, with coach Shikangwa being quick to shift focus to bigger ambitions: “We are beyond this stage. Our eyes are on the East Africa level,” he said as he walked away.
Butere, famously known as the Red Commandos, now have three national titles to their name, two of them won in Kakamega.
That tradition, according to assistant coach Edwin Sakwa, must continue.
“We are at home, and anything short of the trophy will be considered failure by our devoted fans,” said Sakwa.
"Kakamega and the entire Western Region love football, and we must rise to the occasion and reward their loyalty by delivering the trophy.”
Western Region’s other representatives, Madira Girls, also made a winning return to the national stage, narrowly edging fellow returnees and Nyanza champions Kobala 1-0, courtesy of a Valerie Nekesa goal.
It was Madira’s first appearance at this level since 2023, when they finished third, coincidentally, in a tournament also held in Western Kenya.
Coach Eddy Wekesa expressed confidence that this time, they could go all the way and dethrone Butere.
“When we began the school competitions, our target was to win the national title. We are getting closer, and we’re confident we can make it happen,” he said.
“What held us back in 2023 was fatigue; we were juggling Division One matches, school games, and the Onguso Cup. We even had to split squads in some matches, and injuries affected our momentum.”
Elsewhere, Rift Valley champions Nasakol edged Central newcomers Ruiru Girls 1-0, while seasoned national contenders Dagoretti Mixed from Nairobi were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Coast region’s Mwanambeyu.
The action continues on Wednesday with Mwanambeyu taking on Madira, Kobala clashing with Dagoretti, Ruiru squaring off against Dr. Charles, and Butere facing off with Nasakol.
Unlike Tuesday’s split venues, all Wednesday matches will be held in Kakamega, where other disciplines are also set to kick off.
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