School Games: Butere Girls achieve rare three-peat with victory over Madira Girls in final

Butere Girls have engraved their name in the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) history books after claiming a third consecutive national football title, joining Wiyeta Girls and Itigo Girls as the only schools to achieve the feat.

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The Red Commandos edged out Western Region rivals Madira Girls 1-0 in a tightly contested final staged at a fully packed Mumias Sports Complex on Saturday.

Thirteen-year-old sensation Mentrine Kitiavi proved the difference yet again, scoring her 10th goal of the tournament to deliver Butere’s fourth national crown, and a third in a row following their previous triumphs in 2023 and 2024.

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Itigo were the first to dominate the early years of the competition, winning the title from 1970 to 1974 before Wiyeta took over in the 2000s, lifting five straight trophies from 2004. Wiyeta, at that time, dethroned Maina Wanjigi.

Butere dethroned Wiyeta in 2023 and have since become the team to beat.

Well aware of the historic milestone on the line, Butere head coach Edwin Sakwa made just one tactical change to his starting lineup, handing Kitiavi a start thanks to her blistering pace and killer instinct in front of goal.

From the onset, the Red Commandos showed intent.

Truphen Meddrine got the game underway, quickly directing traffic into Madira’s final third.

Dorcas Glender was a constant threat on the left flank, tormenting defender Grace Mwendwa with her pace and dribbling.

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She nearly opened the scoring after a slick exchange with Sharline Atolwa, but Madira goalkeeper Ephy Awuor pulled off a fine save to deny her.

In the fifth minute, Butere earned a free kick in a promising position, but Lilian Omondi could only send the effort wide.

Moments later, a quick interplay between Faith Wekesa and Halima Omar released Kitiavi, who coolly finished to put Butere ahead, sending the crowd at Mumias into wild celebration.

The packed stadium roared with every Butere attack, as Glender and Kitiavi continued to pile pressure on Madira’s backline.

Kitiavi came close to doubling the lead in the 20th minute but ballooned her effort over the bar after creating space inside the box.

Meanwhile, Wasike Faith kept testing Madira’s defence with powerful attempts from range, only to be denied repeatedly by the inspired Awuor in goal.

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Elizabeth Okello anchored the midfield well for Butere as they continued to control proceedings and chase a second goal.

The second half was largely a one-sided affair despite the few goals scored, with Butere Girls sticking to their forward, progressive style of play.

In the 50th minute, Madira almost pulled one back, but a quick reaction from goalkeeper Celestine Aludo kept the Red Commandos ahead.

Although the second period offered little to light up the scoreboard, FKF Premier League referee Kevin Amol and his team maintained control of the match, with every decision appearing deliberate and well thought out.

As the mid-afternoon sun continued to scorch the Mumias Sports Complex, time slowly ticked away with Butere opting to retain possession in midfield, calmly holding their opponents at arm's length and edging closer to making history.

The game was briefly interrupted when police lobbed tear gas into the crowd to disperse fans attempting to force their way into the packed stadium.

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After nearly ten minutes of disruption, play resumed at the same tempo, with Leah Nekesa leading the line for Madira in search of a lifeline.

But the late push was not enough to deny Butere, who went on to claim victory, beating Madira for the fourth consecutive time and cementing their place in school games history.