After a dull 2024 that abruptly ended their national reign at the regional level, former boys’ volleyball champions Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School are eager to reclaim their gong.
Fresh from recapturing their Nairobi Region title from rivals Hospital Hill, Ruthimitu are now gearing up for the battle at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two games that begin on Tuesday in Kakemega. They will be out to wrestle the trophy from Rift Valley’s Cheptil.
Oozing confidence, Ruthimitu coach Francis Nzioki said his charges have what it takes to lift the trophy and prove that they are indeed a volleyball powerhouse despite missing last year’s games.
“We are glad to return to Kakamega because this is where it all started for us. We won our maiden title there and we hope to bag our second this year. I have very young and energetic players who are eager to impress,” Nzioki said.
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He added that his current squad is very disciplined with most of the players holding leadership positions in school.
“They are not just good players, but maintain high levels of discipline and serve as school prefects. They are all-rounded students who excel in both academics and sports and I believe that they are destined for greatness.”
Nzioki said they are currently in intense training and have the support of the school as well as renowned coaches such as Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Elisha Aliwa and Gideon Njine, who continue to impart skills in them.
Ruthimitu are in Group B alongside former national and East Africa champions Malava Boys High School, who return to the games after four years in the cold.
The pool also has Mwaluphamba Secondary School from Coast and Gankanga Secondary School from Eastern. Defending champions Cheptil are in Group A with Nyanza’s Gogo Mixed Secondary School and Central’s Kagonye Secondary School.
Nzioki said they respect all their opponents because they are champions from their respective regions.
“We will not underrate any team; we respect all our opponents because they are champions in their regions. They worked very hard to be the best at all levels of competition and remain in the race for the national trophy and so we will handle them with the seriousness they deserve,” Nzioki said. His sentiments were echoed by team captain Collins Kiprop who said they will keep their eyes on the prize and give every match the best.
“We will fight from start to end and not relent at any point. We will play our hearts out and ensure that we achieve our objectives,” Kiprop said.
The budding setter who was in the 2023 triumphant squad said that he wants to sign out in style. “Returning to the national games is huge not just for our school but for me because it’s my final shot in these games. My desire is to win a second national trophy and also fight for the East Africa title.”