FEASSSA Games: Surprise newcomers Mwiki Girls step into uncharted territory as title contenders
Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 13.08.25. | 17:44
Founded only six years ago, the Mwiki Girls are proving that with the right combination of vision, support, and hard work, even a relatively unknown side can punch above its weight
In just two appearances at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) nationals, Mwiki Secondary School have stunned the hockey fraternity by securing a slot in the 2025 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) Games.
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Despite finishing fourth at the national championships, the Nairobi-based side will be making their East African debut when the games kick off in Kakamega on Wednesday,13 August.
The team’s swift rise is nothing short of remarkable. Founded only six years ago, the Mwiki Girls are proving that with the right combination of vision, support, and hard work, even a relatively unknown side can punch above its weight.
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The roots of Mwiki’s hockey journey trace back to 2018 when teacher-coach Mr. Osinde was transferred from Mt. Laverna School, then one of the few Nairobi private schools with a hockey programme to Mwiki Secondary School and through the guidance of head-coach Peter Mwathe, the sport was introduced to the school.
“What inspired us to introduce hockey at Mwiki was the posting of Mr. Osinde. Since Mt. Laverna was a private school, TSC placed him at Mwiki, and we saw a perfect opportunity to start hockey in a public school where it had never existed,” says Mwathe.
Their goal was simple: build a competitive group of girls and elevate the level of competition in the Nairobi region.
A Gritty Climb to the Top
That vision has quickly materialised. Mwiki Girls battled their way through the Nairobi region and into their debut appearance to the national championships in 2022.
In their second appearance at the nationals this year, their defining moment came when they edged out AIC Nyayo Girls—registering their first-ever win at the nationals.
Despite a heartbreaking shootout loss to Pangani Girls in the 2024 Nairobi final, the team regrouped and booked their FEASSSA ticket after reaching the semifinals of the nationals.
“It was a tough journey, mentally and physically. Our biggest high was that first national win, and the confirmation that we were going to East Africa. The lowest was that regional final loss to Pangani in 2024, a game we dominated but lost on penalties,” reflects Mwathe.
Thanks to a pre-announced policy by the KSSSA Secretary General, the top four teams from the nationals qualified for the regional showpiece. Mwiki had to fight their way into the semis and they did just that.
“The girls understood the assignment. Getting to the semifinals was our target, and they gave it everything to get there,” said Mwathe.
While many school teams only compete during the academic sports calendar, Mwiki Girls are sharpening their skills year-round in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women’s Super League. Their participation in the league is beginning to show dividends.
“Playing in the league brings a level of maturity their peers don’t have. Every game is high-pressure and played against experienced players, so when we return to school games, our girls approach matches with tactical awareness and composure,” says Mwathe.
"The league has not only toughened the players but helped them learn to solve problems mid-game—skills often missing at the school level."
Support That Builds Champions
Mwathe is full of praise for the Mwiki Secondary School administration, which has supported the team through equipment provision, match logistics, and facilitating league participation.
“They’ve supported us fully, from friendlies and tournaments to away league fixtures. That kind of backing is massive, and it’s the reason we’ve come this far,” he affirms.
With the FEASSSA Games looming, Mwiki’s focus is now on preparation. Their training camp is geared toward strengthening attacking tactics and improving penalty corner conversion—two areas that let them down at the nationals.
“We're working on the mental aspect as well. It’s a big stage, and the girls need to believe they belong there. They’re talented enough to be East Africa’s best,” says Mwathe, adding that the 10-day KSSSA residential camp has helped the players adjust and prepare psychologically for the challenge ahead.
Eyes on the Podium—and Beyond
For Mwathe, qualifying for FEASSSA is only a stepping stone. The team’s short-term goal is to win the FEASSSA title, while long-term ambitions include producing players for the national team, securing university scholarships for his players, and eventually dominating both national and regional competitions.
“I want to see at least five Mwiki players in the national team. I also hope to see them play in university teams, even though we’re just a sub-county school. Hockey should open doors to a better future.”
To other schools hoping to build sports programmes, especially in hockey, Mwathe’s message is grounded in experience:
“Be patient. Success doesn’t come overnight. Build strong foundations, form meaningful relationships, and make the most of the small support you get. Over time, small wins will combine into major victories.”
As they step onto the East African stage for the first time, Mwiki Girls carry not just their school’s hopes but also the dreams of countless emerging schools striving to make a name in Kenyan sport.
