School Games: Kirangari High School's secret to improved performances at third nationals
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 31.07.25. | 11:23
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Fawa explained that competing in the senior league has toughened his players both mentally and physically, giving them an edge at the national level
For the past three years, Central Kenya has consistently produced one name in the national boys' football scene, Kirangari High School.
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Since their breakthrough in 2023, alongside Njabini Girls, Kirangari have continued to carry the region’s hopes, breaking the dominance of traditional powerhouses.
That year, the boys from Kiambu County and Njabini Girls dethroned Olbolosat Secondary and Kinale Girls, ushering in a new generation of regional champions.
While Njabini faded out of the national spotlight, and other teams across the country like Dr Khofor (North Eastern), Shanderema, Agoro Sare, and even St Anthony’s Boys Kitale struggled to reclaim their place, Kirangari have stayed the course.
What’s been their secret?
Head coach Edward Fawa, who also runs Kitusuru Academy and holds a CAF C license, believes their participation in the FKF Kikuyu Sub County League has played a pivotal role in their transformation.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Fawa explained that competing in the senior league has toughened his players both mentally and physically, giving them an edge at the national level.
“You have to train. Even after a win, you go back and practice. The Sub County League has given our boys exposure to mature and established players, which has hardened them,” Fawa said.
The league has also instilled discipline and consistency, with the coach revealing that the players sacrificed their holidays to train for what is now their third attempt at the national title.
“The boys had one mission, and they even gave up their school holidays for training. That shows you the level of commitment.”
Fawa, who specialises in nurturing boys under 15, says the team has made huge strides over the last three years.
A perfect example is how far they have come since their early national encounters.
“Early this year, we lost 8-0 to Highway during the Super 8 tournament. Six months later, we held them to a 3-3 draw. That tells you how much the boys have grown.”
Now, Kirangari are on the brink of history, just one draw away from qualifying for the semi-finals and the East Africa Games for the first time.
They face St Joseph’s High School in a must-not-lose match on Thursday.
"When we started, we were always the underdogs. Even Highway used to thrash us. But now, we are stronger, and we nearly beat them. If we had a few more minutes in that game, we could’ve won it,” he reflected.
According to Fawa, both tactical awareness and physical development have improved significantly, thanks to a hands-on technical team that remains committed to the team’s long-term progress.
"We agreed with the boys, before we even left the capital, that the goal was East Africa. That was the conversation in the bus to Kakamega, and everyone cried out for that dream.”
Now, the lions from Kabete Sub County are a result away from turning the dream into reality.
