L. MathekaKSSSA Games: Mbooni Boys ready for national handball glory
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 02.09.22. | 11:12
The games are making a return after a two-year Covid-19 occasioned break
Coach Gerald Juma has backed his charges, Mbooni Boys to defend the Eastern Region school games title at the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) ongoing games and go all the way to clinch their maiden national title.
The national games are set for 8 to 12 September in Nakuru where Juma’s charges, if they can go past the regional games ongoing in Embu, will be making a second appearance.
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games kick off at Kangaru School, Embu @Tieno23 pic.twitter.com/KU7gdmY9pn
— TV47 Kenya (@tv47ke) September 1, 2022
On their debut in 2019, the Makueni County-based school upset the form book, going all the way to the final and booking a ticket to the East African school Games. They finished in second place behind holders Kimilili.
“The competition in Embu is going on well and my players are executing their plays as expected. Given their experience, the regional level will be not very tough. Our biggest competition should be Machakos School whom we already beat at the group stage. I can confidently say we are one foot into the nationals,” a confident Juma told Mozzart Sport.
More often than not, these games spring surprises and a school impresses on their debut, just like Juma’s charges did in 2019. However, the tactician maintains that he has what it takes to win the national title this time round, having been denied by his former players, Kimilili, in 2019.
“I believe my team will be at the nationals where our biggest threat is likely to come from the holders who are on a rebuilding path and Nairobi region champions Hospital Hill. That said, we will take all the teams seriously,” Juma added.
The tactician who has previously led Kimilili to multiple national and East Africa titles believes he can get the better of his former employer on experience but Hospital Hill remain a tough nut to crack that will be determined by the technical bench prowess.
“These are teams that are playing in the national league and the players have been together for a while, gaining experience through the league. Whoever wants it more will win this duel if the two teams are to meet at any point,” Offered Juma.
Hospital Hill are already through to the nationals having won the Nairobi region championship last weekend.
