Revenge on the cards as Kamusinga, Musingu aim swords

Revenge is a dish best served while cold. And perhaps it’s Friends School Kamusinga that understands the weight of these words.

Better still, they will be out to put the words into context at the Western Region School Games which begin tomorrow (Wednesday) when they open their campaign for a hockey title against champions Musingu.

You see, Kamusinga has dominated the region’s hockey games like a colossus, for almost a decade, but out of the blues, something extra-ordinary happened last year when the 12-time national champions were humbled 1-0 by Musingu in last year’s regional finals, held at the Booker Academy.

Since they lost the treasured crown, the playing unit has had not enough sleep, and, understandably, they want to make amends for it. Their head coach Godfrey Mulehi summed up the feeling: “What happened last year is still fresh in our minds. Musingu is a very strong side but we are mentally and physically prepared for the match,” the soft-spoken coach noted, laying down the gauntlet in what should be an intriguing duel.

He roared on: “It’s tough for both sides that we are in the same group but we are not worried.We will strive to make our fans happy by qualifying for the nationals, to be held on our own grounds,” said Muleyi.

Apart from Musingu and Kamusinga, other teams in pool ‘A’ are Kolonya and Nyangori, while pool ‘B’ has Kibabii, Butula, Vihiga, and Kivanywa.

In rugby, national champions Kakamega High School have been drawn against host Kamusinga, Sigalame and Chavakali in pool ‘A’.

Kakamega head coach Amos Wamanga knows too well the enormity of the task at hand. “This year won’t be easy because every team is tough to beat; Vihiga, Chavakali, St Peters Mumias , Bungoma High –   are teams with a rich rugby history — we will take one game at a time ,” he said.

Kakamega defeated St Peters Mumias 7-5 in last year’s regional finals and went on to win the national title, defeating Laiser Hill 18-14 in the final.

In the East Africa competition, the Barbarians finished second on 21 points after five wins from six matches. Shimenga Libondo, St Peter’s head coach says they have a plan to stop the champions.

“Kakamega are lethal, you make simple mistakes and they kill you; this is something that needs to be avoided when we face them.Our aim is to qualify for the national but Kakamega is still the stabling block,” said Shimenga.

The Saints are in group ‘B’ with Vihiga, former champions Bungoma High and Nambale boys.

In basketball, defending champions Chavakali will put their title credentials on the line in pool’ A’ which also has Sigalame, Mukumu, and Kibabii while pool ‘B’ has host Kamusinga, Nyangori, Kakamega and Butula .

The opening ceremony takes place on Wednesday at 2 pm followed by the hockey match between FKS Kamusinga and champions Musingu High from 2.30 pm.