KSSSA: Erima eyes a second successive national title with Tigoi Girls

Tigoi Girls’ hockey’s head coach, Moses Erima, is cofident they will defend their national title in the upcoming Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One Games slated for April 7-12 at Shanzu TTC in Mombasa.

The Western region giants defeated Misikhu Girls 1-0 to book their third consecutive nationals ticket a fortnight ago, and Erima says preparations are in top gear to reclaim the title.

“We’ve prepared well. We commenced our preparations immediately after the conclusion of the regional games. We’ve also played with different teams in friendly matches and the girls are in the best shape,” Erima told Citizen Digital.

Despite losing six first-team players, Erima is confident they will reign supreme, warning his girls against resting their laurels amid a tough contest in waiting. 

“We lost six players from last year’s title-winning squad but I’m happy with their replacements who have coped well and their quality is undeniable. We have no doubt that they will put in an impressive shift and bring the title home.”

On new entrants Ng’iya Girls posing a challenge after edging perennial rivals Nyamira Girls, Erima said they have nothing to worry but will be cautious when the two sides meet.

“We have played Ng’iya in friendly matches before and we know the quality they possess. We will not underrate them whatsoever. Every team is a worthy competitor and we have to display our ‘A’ game in every match we play,” noted Erima.

The Vihiga-based team knows they have their work cut out to repeat last year’s feat, with East African champions, St. Josephs Kitale, also posing a big threat.

Tigoi are placed in pool B with hosts St. John’s Kaloleni, Central Region giants Mpesa Foundation Academy, and Nyanza’s Ng’iya Girls, who shocked former East African champions, Nyamira Girls, to book their national ticket.