Champions Butere keen to extend national basketball reign

National girls’ basketball champions Butere Girls will settle for nothing less than the ultimate prize.

The Western Region sports giants are eying a third straight title at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National games that begin on April 7 to 12 at Shanzu Teachers College and Shimo La Tewa High School, Mombasa.

Exuding confidence, Butere coach Chris Odeke said his charges are ready for challenge.

“We want to win the title for a third year in a row and I believe that my are equal to the task,” Odeke said.

He added that though he lost seven of his best players from last year’s games, he has a stronger squad due to the good sports structures they have in the institution.

“These are students and you expect them to leave once they are done with their studies. We have put very good structures in place that ensure that we don’t run out of talent in any sport.”

Odeke added that his team being active in the National Women’s Division One League has also helped his charges improve.

“We have been very actively involved in the league which has helped us gauge ourselves against stronger sides. The girls have done well in the league too because so far, they have won seven out of 10 matches.”

Captain Joyce Wangui will lead the side which also includes fellow guards Chelsea Onamu and Trixy Akinyi as well as forwards Rihanna Oduor, Yvonne Sheryl and Mary Awino.

“My players are in fine form and it’s hard to single out one that is above the rest because they are all equally good from the starting five to the bench,” Odeke said.  

Butere will launch their title defence campaign in Group B which also has Mpesa Foundation Academy from Central, St Joseph’s Kitale from Rift Valley and Asumbi Girls from Nyanza.

Most of their 2024 opponents were dethroned at the regional level. Former national champions Buruburu Girls were dismissed by Olympic High School in Nairobi, while Nyakachi surrendered their crown to Asumbi Girls in Nyanza.

Former national and East Africa champions Kaya Tiwi, who are looking to salvage their dimming star, are in Group A alongside Ikutha Girls from Eastern, Olympic and a North Eastern winner who will be known this Friday.

Last year’s national semi-finalists Nasokol Girls High School will have to wait and try their luck in the basketball 3X3 contest during the Term Two games after losing their regional trophy. Nasokol relinquished their Rift Valley trophy to St Joseph’s Kitale.

Kaya Tiwi will be looking to reclaim the title they lost to Butere in 2023 when they lost 41-51 in the final. Playing at home, Kaya Tiwi will have everything to fight for as they seek to rise to the top again.