Giants set-up 'super' finals as Nairobi Term One Games hit climax

The Nyari boys signalled their intent to cruise into the final, scoring their first goal in the second minute through Mike Thande to hand them a 1-0 lead.

Led by the man of the match Zahir Mbitha Suleiman, Hospital Hill continued to threaten with their quick feet dribbles and powerful shots, but Highway defended their hearts out to maintain the 1-0 lead going into half-time break.

Second half produced a similar show as red-hot Hospital Hill came guns blazing, with Peter Awot and Zahir Mbithe Suleiman scoring two quick fire goals to give them a 3-0 lead within the first five minutes after the kick off.

David Oluoch added the fourth at the death to complete Highway's rout, setting up a highly anticipated final clash with Lenana School.

Head coach John Kaloti was elated for the win.

“We kept it simple today, the boys followed the tactical instructions and we won the game. We have to be more ruthless,” noted Kaloti.

Starboy Zahir Mbithe Suleiman, whose quick feet dribbles kept Highway defense busy, promised to deliver a masterclass in the final.

“We have trained well and we are ready for the final. It will be a difficult game but we are confident we will bag the title.”

Other finalists Lenana required a late magical show to see off last year’s finalists Starehe 3-1in a nail-biting clash.

Joshua Muthoka had given Starehe the lead in the 35th minute but Lenana scored three in seven minutes to complete an incredible comeback against the last year's runner's up.

It was one of the most incredible comebacks from Lenana, one for the books, and perhaps, they needed that moment of sheer brilliance to turn-round what looked like a painful loss.

Stafford Madome initiated the comeback in the 53rd minute after dribbling past Starehe's defense to slot home the equalizer, much to the delight of Lenana’s fans.

Steve Kimeu added the second one five minutes later before Madome slotted home the third at the stroke of full-time, to send the crowd into roaring.

The two late goals needed Kimeu’s and Madome’s perfection from the short corners while Starehe will rue their loss to their lapse in concentration.

Head coach Eddy Odhiambo was awed by his boys’ performance, urging them to remain on top of their game during the final.

“The game was crazy because we were meeting them for the third time. Starehe is not easy to beat but our mentality won us the game. I trusted in my substitutes and they helped us turn around the game,” said an excited Odhiambo.

In the girls’ category, Mwiki Secondary School booked a block-busting final against Hillcrest Academy after flooring defending Champions Pangani Girls 3-0 in a thrilling semi-final clash.

Joan Muria stole the show with three goals to help the former champions stroll past Pangani who are in the process of rebuilding after losing nearly all their first team members who completed secondary education.

It was a sweet revenge for the premier league side after relinquishing their title last year following their 1-0 loss to Pangani in post-match penalties.

Head coach Wesley Osinde attributed their win to their sheer hard work they put in after they lost their title last year.

“We prepared well for the championship, trained well in short corners and that’s what won us the game. We have an exciting final ahead and we are confident we will win,” said Osinde.

Hillcrest Academy reigned supreme against Buruburu Girls in another semi-final, thumping them 4-1 to book their final slot against their traditional rivals.

Two goals from Anika Bebbington and a goal each from captain Marina McRae and Iranga Bashige were enough to help the 2020 regional champions ascend to the final.

“The game was amazing, we had a good game and used our chances and that helped us win the game,” said captain Marina Mc Rae.

Her assistant Marie-Ange Odipo was over the moon following the cruise, expressing her optimism of winning the final

“We have a good chemistry, we will put our best foot forward to ensure we reclaim our title,” said Odipo.

Friends off the pitch, enemies on the pitch, a highly emotional final awaits the two traditional rivals on Saturday at Buruburu Girls High School.

In handball, Hospital will renew their rivalry with Highway in the final after the two sides stunned their opponents Utawala and St. Aquinas 41-20 and 38-07 respectively.

The two teams are meeting for the third successive time with last year’s epic see-saw title seeing Hospital Hill stun Highway 26-23.

Highway will be looking for their first win against the reigning Champions after being on the losing side for three successive years.

Girls’ final will also be a repeat of last year’s final after both Dagoretti Mixed and Highridge booked their final tickets.

Dagoretti Mixed got off the canvas and lifted Huruma Girls, spanking them 27-12 while Highridge narrowly edged Utawala Academy 28-17 in a tightly contested tie.

Buruburu girls and Dagoretti high are on course to defend their basketball 3x3 title after seeing off their opponents in stellar fashion to book their final tickets.

In the girls' contest, Buruburu outclassed Parklands 71-22 in the first semi-final to book their final ticket against Olympic who showed Moi Girls Nairobi no mercy after trashing them 46-28.

This will be a repeat of last year’s final where Buruburu easily trounced Olympic 43-30.

The boys’ final will see Dagoretti high school clash with Nairobi School in a thrilling clash.

Dagoretti stunned Highway Secondary School 84-56 in the first semi-final while Nairobi School edged Lang’ata 53-42 in another semi-final.

The winners will represent the Nairobi region at the national stage on April 7-12, 2025 at Shanzu TTI, Mombasa.