FEASSSA Games: How back-to-back national champions Tigoi Girls are plotting for elusive regional crown
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 05.08.25. | 12:07
From consistent training to a string of friendlies with other schools and clubs, Tigoi’s preparation has been more thorough and strategic
National hockey champions, Tigoi Girls High School, are not just heading to the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games in Kakamega with hopes; they are heading there with unfinished business.
Fresh from clinching their second consecutive Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national hockey title, Tigoi Girls are brimming with confidence and purpose.
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In the national final held at Shanzu Teachers College, the Vihiga-based side edged out perennial rivals St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale 1-0, a result that affirmed their dominance in school girls' hockey, and set them on a redemption journey for the East African trophy they narrowly missed last year in Mbale, Uganda.
For head coach Moses Erima, the victory meant more than just another medal.
“This gold medal means a lot to me and the team. We did not want it to look like 2024 was a one-off. We wanted back-to-back victories, and thank God we made it happen. Beating a strong team like St. Joseph’s was no mean feat,” said Erima
In 2023 and 2024, Tigoi Girls came close to East African glory, but fell just short.
Last year’s runner-up finish behind St. Joseph’s at the FEASSSA Games still lingers painfully in the minds of Erima and his charges.
“We went to Mbale expecting to win it, but we failed. It was a big setback. Our greatest undoing was the first draw. That loss gave us energy,” admitted Erima. “Now we know what to do—whether it’s a round-robin format or pools—we are prepared. We have corrected our mistakes,” he said.
That experience, according to the coach, has informed every aspect of this year’s preparation.
Erima is convinced the team is in a better place than they were four months ago after winning the nationals.
From consistent training to a string of friendlies with other schools and clubs, Tigoi’s preparation has been more thorough and strategic.
“After winning nationals, there is usually that risk of feeling like you have done it all. We’ve worked to correct that mentality. We began training from the start of the term,” he said.
One major change has been building depth and bench power, moving away from relying solely on star individuals.
“This year, we have emphasized teamwork. When you rely on individuals, it is easy to get locked out in tough games. Now we have a stronger squad across the board.”
KHU League Experience Giving Players an Edge
Tigoi Girls boast a rare advantage - several players feature in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league for club sides.
That exposure is proving invaluable.
“Playing in the KHU league builds their confidence and helps them adapt to different playing styles. It toughens their mentality, and that benefits the whole team,” explained Erima.
This exposure, he believes, is a key reason why his players remain calm under pressure and adaptable on the continental stage.
Building for the Future – Not Just This Year
Even as they hunt for the FEASSSA crown, Erima has one eye on the future.
His approach involves blending experience with youth to ensure continuity and sustained success.
“As we prepare for this year’s FEASSSA, our focus is already on next year. I have several Form Twos and Threes in the squad. This exposure is part of building a team that can last.”
That long-term vision reflects Tigoi’s ambitions, not just to win once, but to establish themselves as a regional hockey powerhouse.
Erima knows that defending national titles is one thing; conquering the FEASSSA Games is another.
The challenge will be stiff, with seasoned opponents expected from Uganda, not to mention local giants St. Joseph’s Kitale, Ng’iya Girls, and Mwiki.
Still, home ground advantage could be a game-changer for Tigoi Girls, with this year’s regional games hosted in Kakamega County, just close to home from their Vihiga base.
“The community supports us so much. The school principal has given us training time, bought quality equipment, and motivated the girls,” noted Erima. “The staff and alumni are behind us, and I know the fans will show up in large numbers in Kakamega.”
This will be Tigoi’s fifth FEASSSA appearance, and the hunger to finally lift the title couldn’t be more intense.
“I have missed this trophy, especially in Mbale last year and in Huye in 2023. But this year, God willing, we’re taking it. We’ve learned the importance of a strong start and consistency,” said a determined Erima.
As the FEASSSA Games approach, Erima had a message for his team and their fans:
“To my players, you are well prepared. Go for it. To our supporters, come in large numbers. Western Kenya loves sports, and hockey will be very entertaining this year. We welcome everyone.”
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