School games: Buru Buru eye podium placing at Arusha fiesta
By Lynette Matheka, August 17, 2019
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) girls’ basketball champions Buru Buru Girls eye a podium placing in this year’s Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) that started on Friday in Arusha, Tanzania.
Coach Julius Otieno guides his charges in a campaign for a double having dethroned Kaya Tiwi in the national finals to reclaim the last won 18 years ago. The win was sweet revenge for Buru Buru as they had lost in the group stages to Kaya Tiwi.
In previous editions, they had come so close to clinching the national title but often fell to rivals Kaya. Last year Butere Girls eliminated them in the semis.
“We are back in the regional showpiece and the plan is to give a good account of ourselves. We know it won’t be easy as other countries have tough teams but the team is hungry to make a mark in this edition,”
“We still have the momentum after winning the national title and we hope to ride on that confidence in these games. We will approach each match as a cup decider,” said Otieno.
The Nairobi champions are making a return to the games after missing out in the last two editions. They last featured in the games in 2016 in Eldoret as the second placed team from Kenya.
“Despite missing out on two editions, we believe we will do well and end the year’s competitions on a high. Our best placing in the games has been fourth place in 2013 and we are looking to do better than that. The squad is ready and all the players are out to fight for the title, “ added Otieno.
Otieno’s charges start their title hunt with a clash against Lycee De Kigali (LDK) today before taking on LST Gitega of Burundi.
On their part, national silver medallists Kaya Tiwi take on Rwanda’s Ste. Bernadette on Saturday morning before facing arch-rivals St Mary’s Kitende on Sunday as they seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2016 when the games were hosted in Eldoret. In the absence of girls’ defending champions Buddo Secondary, the former champions have the experience on this stage to fight for the title.
Meanwhile, boys’ national champions Laiser Hill start their title hunt on Sunday against Tanzania’s Don Boscobel while their Kenyan counterparts Dagoretti take on College Marie Reine of Rwanda today before taking on hosts Galanos on Sunday.
Laiser Hill will be out to fight for the title in the absence of holders APE Rugunga who have won the last three consecutive title. The Kenyan boys last won the title in 2012, which was the fourth title in a row.