The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games in Thika have witnessed surprising turns as established football powerhouses bowed out early, making way for emerging teams to shine.

Football Semifinals Set

Returning to the national stage after an eight-year break, twelve-time champions Kakamega High School topped Group B with a perfect nine points and will face late entrants Menengai High School in the semifinals scheduled for Wednesday at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy, Kiambu County.

Menengai secured their semifinal spot through a head-to-head tiebreaker in Pool A, advancing alongside St. Mary’s Yala, who are chasing their first national football title. Both teams finished equal on six points with Highway Secondary School, which was eliminated on the same tiebreaker.

Menengai’s participation came after Rift Valley champions Tenwek High School were disqualified over age-cheating allegations.

Historic Semifinal Appearance for Takaba Mixed

The second boys’ semifinal features St. Mary’s Yala against Takaba Mixed Secondary School, the first team from the North Eastern Region to reach this stage in the national football competition. St. Mary’s Yala Principal Victor Makanda attributed the success to a development plan initiated in 2023, which nurtured a young squad from Form One through steady progress at regional and county levels.

Girls’ Football Semifinals

In the girls’ category, Nyakach Girls High School will face Raila Educational Centre after topping Group B emphatically with a 20-0 win over Kiaritha High School. The other semifinal pits former champions Archbishop Njenga Girls High School against St. Joseph’s Girls High School (JOGA), Kitale.

JOGA’s head coach Francis Ojilo praised his team’s resilience in securing a crucial draw to advance, emphasizing the need for discipline and composure in the upcoming match. Captain Linah Cherop expressed confidence ahead of the semifinal, aiming for the final and the trophy.

Volleyball Semifinals Preview

In boys’ volleyball, Group A winners Chepsaita will meet Group B runners-up Matiliku, while Group B leaders Chesamis face Group A runners-up Masara. On the girls’ side, Mwitoti will play Soweto, and Kesogon will challenge defending champions Kwanthanze Secondary.

The KSSSA Term Two Games continue to showcase Kenya’s young sporting talents as teams vie for national glory in football and volleyball.