Nyamira Girls High School Triumphs: From conquering East Africa to gaining a place on the world stage

In a triumphant return to the national stage, Nyamira Girls High School emerged champions in the 2023 Secondary School games, securing both the national and East African titles.

The team's stellar performance at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games in Huye, Rwanda, has positioned them to represent Kenya in the upcoming world school games in Serbia this year.

Nyamira Girls made their initial mark in the FEASSSA games in 2019 in Arusha, finishing fourth after securing the third spot in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national games in Mombasa.

Under the guidance of coaches Eliakim Obondo, Dennis Kigai, and Naomi Kabibi, the team clinched the 2023 FEASSSA hockey girls title with an unbeaten record, conceding zero goals and finishing atop the seven-team round-robin standings with 16 points.

The championship journey included victories over Kakungulu Memorial (2-0), Tigoi Girls (2-0), St Mary's Namagunga (4-0), Gayaza High School (8-0), Bweranyangi Girls (5-0), and a goalless draw against Rift Valley champions St Joseph Girls Kitale.

Coach Kigai expressed confidence in defending their titles in 2024, highlighting the importance of developing both athletic and academic prowess among the players.

"Our goal is to win and defend all the titles this season, focusing not only on talent but also on excellence in both the field and academics," stated Kigai.

“Winning the titles has had a huge impact to the school and the broader community. The players now know that with determination, nothing is difficult.

This was evident when the previous year's candidates in the team excelled, the captain was joint top best student. In addition, the players in other disciplines are a changed lot, they know it is possible with consistent training and discipline. Hockey is the benchmark in the school,” he added.

The backbone of Nyamira Girls' triumph was team captain Vivian Akinyi, named the FEASSSA 2023 Most Valuable Player.

Akinyi, who is part of the Tunza Sports Academy, played a pivotal role in the team's success. Tunza Sports, led by former Kenyan International hockey player Raquel Nyte, not only focuses on sports development but also empowers girls through education and community engagement.

It’s worth noting that out of the 20 registered players in the FEASSSA games, Nyamira Girls boasted 11 players from Tunza Sports Academy, a crucial factor in securing the East African title.

Recognizing their achievement, the Kisumu County Governor, Anyang Nyongo, celebrated the players in a ceremony at Ratta Primary School on September 10, 2023.

Coach Obondo who was recognized as the August 2023 Coach of the Month by the Sports Journalist Association (SJAK), attributed the team's success to their policy of admitting, training, and nurturing talent.

Looking forward, Obondo emphasized the infusion of fresh talent into the team for sustained excellence.

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"We have a very versatile team with the majority of the players who competed for the title in Rwanda still available to give experience to the new blood in the team,” said Obondo.

As Nyamira Girls basks in the glory of their 2023 triumph, the team sets its sights on the 2024 season, with the KSSSA Term One games national competition scheduled in Nakuru County from April 6 to 12, 2024, hosted by the Rift Valley region.

The legacy of Nyamira Girls continues to inspire, marking a resurgence that promises sustained success on both national and international fronts.