This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On July 31st, 2019, Nyakach girls' football team faced off against Itigo girls in the Kenya Secondary Schools Association term two national ball games in Kisumu county, with Itigo emerging victorious 1-0.
The win marked a significant moment in the teams' journey to the East Africa Secondary Schools girls' football title, a trophy that has been won by Wiyeta and Kwale Girls in 2017 and 2018.
Nyakach, Itigo, and Archbishop Njenga are Kenya's hopes of winning the title for the third consecutive year. Archbishop Njenga are looking to reclaim the title they won last in 2011, while Nyakach are returning to the games after a two-year absence and Itigo are chasing their maiden title.
Nyakach coach Chrispine Odindo expressed his team's determination to improve on their 2016 fourth-place finish and bring the title back to Kenya.
"We did not play well in 2016 and failed to make it to the semis, but we have a chance to make amends and perform better," Odindo said. "We want to bring the title back to Kenya so that we can maintain the three slots for Kenyan teams in the 2020 games."
Odindo emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that they will work together to ensure all three Kenyan teams reach the knockout stage.
"We will support all the girls so they can all qualify for the semis and we will get closer to achieving our objectives," he said.
The teams face a tough challenge from Ugandan teams, who have been dominant in the games. Nyakach coach Odindo acknowledged the Ugandan teams' strength, saying, "The Ugandan teams are tough as some of them have won the title before and are regulars at the games."
