School Games: Kamusinga coach Simiyu out to break “Mombasa curse”

Moi Girls Kamusinga handball team’s head coach Godfrey Simiyu wants to break the “Mombasa curse” and defend their crown in the upcoming Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One Games slated for April 7-12 at Shanzu Teachers Training College in Mombasa.

The veteran coach says Mombasa has proved to be a bogey ground for him but expressed confidence of breaking the curse on his third attempt after failing on two occasions.

They however have their work cut out as they are set to renew rivalry with St. Joseph’s Kitale who trounced them 16-15 in 2022’s epic final in Eldoret.

“I will not let the title slip off my hands this time in Mombasa. I’ve lost two times before but this time we are going to make a statement. The curse must be broken,” a bullish Simiyu told Citizen Digital.

Moi Girls Kamusinga, who have made it to the national stage every year since 2012, have only lost three titles during that period with two being in Mombasa. They lost the first one in 2017 against Sega and St. Joseph's Kirandich from Rift valley.

Simiyu has also sounded a warning to his rivals, telling them to prepare for an epic duel.

“We are already finalizing our preparations for the national contest. My girls are ready for any opponent and we are going all out for the title.”

Skipper Bridgit Barasa, who is set to make a third appearance at the nationals with two medals under her belt (gold and silver), will be leading her compatriots in title defence dream.

Simiyu will also be relying on goalkeeper Brenda Amoit, left back Lavender Babra and right back Sheila Amoding - who all have been on top form this year.

The Bungoma-based school has also adopted intensive training methods under high temperatures to easily adapt to the weather in Mombasa.

“We have already kicked off an intensive two hour training between 10:00am to noon, to utilize the hot temperatures, to prepare ourselves for such kind of weather in Mombasa. I’m sure the difference won’t be huge and my girls will cope,” he observed.

Moi Girls Kamusinga are placed in Group 'A' with Nairobi region’s giants Dagoretti Mixed, Eastern’s Kyeni Girls and North Eastern representatives.