Debutants Masara, Aluor Girls bank on experienced coaches ahead of KSSSA nationals
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.07.26. | 16:06
The two schools will make their national debut when the championships are held from Tuesday, 28 July to Saturday, 1 August at MPesa Foundation Academy in Kiambu County
Nyanza volleyball champions Masara Mixed and St. Cecilia Aluor Girls will look to their experienced coaches for inspiration as they prepare for their maiden appearance at the KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Championships.
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The two schools will make their national debut when the championships are held from Tuesday, 28 July to Saturday, 1 August at MPesa Foundation Academy in Kiambu County.
Although both teams are first-time participants, their coaches are well-versed in the demands of top-level school volleyball.
Masara coach and senior principal Tom Odhiambo Achilah guided Gogo Mixed to last year's Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Championships, while Aluor Girls tactician John Duro previously led Sega Girls to the national championships on six occasions.
Duro believes his side has what it takes to compete despite being handed a tough draw.
"The girls are looking forward to the nationals. We want to compete favourably, and we are hopeful of making an impact.
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," said Duro.
Aluor Girls have been drawn in Pool B alongside former champions Kesogon, perennial contenders Soweto Academy, and Coast representatives Mwanambeyu.
Pool A features former national and East Africa champions Kwanthanze, Western representatives Mwitoti, Central champions Kahuro, and the North Eastern representatives.
Achilah is equally confident that his talented Masara squad can challenge the country's established teams despite their lack of experience at the national level.
"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 championships, Achilah backed his players to rise to the occasion.
"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 placed in Pool A alongside Kiambaa, newly crowned Rift Valley champions Chepsaita, and the North Eastern representatives.
Pool B pits Western champions Malava Boys against Rithimitu, Moi Forces Academy, and Matiliku, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.