Tempestuous battle is expected Wednesday as Nzoia Region Airtel Rising Stars champions St. Anthony’s Kitale clash with bitter rivals Green Commandos of Kakamega High.
The two sides clash in a pool A tie that has been termed a final before the finals at Kawalesa Primary School in Lodwar.
The encounter will also evoke memories of last year’s abandoned regional final that got the two schools entangled in a battle that was decided in a rematch in Machakos a day before the nationals.
Eleven-time national champions the Green Commandos of Kakamega will be out to prove their mettle against the former East Africa and four-time national titleholders St. Anthony’s who thwarted their title defence last year.
St. Anthony christened Solidarity Boys beat Kakamega 1-0 to book a ticket at the nationals in a rematch at Machakos Boys School last year.
Prior to that Eric Ouma had scored Kakamega’s disputed goal from a free kick during the Nzoia finals that were staged in Busia.
However, St. Anthony’s coach Peter Mayoyo is confident that his boys will overcome their opponents because they have a mission to accomplish
“We are on a mission to reclaim the national crown and attempt a second East Africa title. My boys are determined to make it happen and are wholeheartedly committed to this course,” Mayoyo said.
Solidarity Boys will rely on striker Alex Sunga, the 2016 Kenyan Premier League Under-20 champion and golden boot winner with Ulinzi as well as defender Salim Tumbo.
Striker Mueni Siti, midfielder Wilberforce Lugogo and goalkeeper Sheikh Alele are also expected to help their side overcome the Green Commandos.
In other matches of the day Turkana champions Lokichar will take on regional first-timers Bukembe of Bungoma in pool A before the latter take on Kakamega.
Lokitaung (Turkana) will play Butula of Busia while Ebwali will take on Kapenguria Boys of West Pokot in pool B.
In the girls’ contest national champions Wiyeta begin their title defence against Kakamega County champions Arch Bishop Njenga in group B while 2013 East Africa champions Tartar take on Brenda Academy of Bungoma.
