Invest more in school games to tap talent
Secondary schools in the country hold the key to unlocking sports potential which is part of the government’s Vision 2030 goals. Kenya’s prowess in secondary school games was showcased during the splendid performance of some of our representatives in the just-concluded Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games in Arusha, Tanzania.
We give kudos to Highway Secondary School of Nairobi, a rank outsider, which punched above its weight by reaching the final where they lost to big-timers Kibuli Secondary School of Uganda.
Highway made it to the Kenyan schools’ national scene after a 40-year hiatus and qualifying to the regional fiesta where they ended the reign of 12-time champions St Mary’s Kitende by knocking them out in the semi-final was commendable. Also worth mentioning are our representatives in the girl’s football category in Wiyeta who clinched the title despite odds being stashed heavily against them.Our secondary school sports’ landscape is laden with great talents which need to be tapped to the fullest. By this, we mean schools such as Itierio in Kisii which has produced sublime talent and the likes of Mike Okoth Origi and Henry Motego who went ahead to feature for the national team Harambee Stars. The list is incomplete without the mention of Ofafa Jericho High School whose products include former internationals Musa Otieno and George Waweru.
Athletics has also not been left behind as we boast of the likes of Javelin star Julius Yego, an alumnus of Kapsabet High School, who became the first Kenyan to win a world championship during the 2015 edition in Beijing, China.
Another institution is St Francis Kimuron Secondary School which has produced brilliant athletes including newly crowned world 800m champion Emmanuel Korir. These superstars would later feature for the national team and bring national glory. That is why the government must invest more in school games if we are to continue churning great talent. It’s hearty to learn that the Ministry of Sports has embarked on an ambitious initiative to identify and nurture sports talents in schools in 15 counties.
The ‘Making of Champions of Tomorrow’, programme targets approximately 20,000 learners aged 6-16 years, who will be tutored on the basics of various sports including volleyball, athletics, football, basketball and rugby.
But we believe that government sponsored scholarships for students who excel in academics and sports will be the game changer.
