St Charles Lwanga dreaming big ahead of National Games after both girls, boys qualify
Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 24.03.26. | 22:01
For head coach Julius Masero, success at St Charles Lwanga is no longer accidental; it is institutional
As the 2026 KSSSA Term One National Games approach in Kisumu, few schools arrive with the quiet consistency and growing authority of St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School Changamwe.
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From a steady presence over the years to a modern powerhouse in both boys’ and girls’ hockey, the Coast-based institution is no longer just participating at nationals; it is targeting dominance.
For head coach Julius Masero, success at St Charles Lwanga is no longer accidental; it is institutional.
“It’s now a tradition. The players have managed it correctly since 2023, and it’s like it is hereditary, the generation passing it every year,” says Masero.
That sense of continuity has defined the school’s recent rise. While St Charles had earlier appearances at the nationals between 2013 and 2016, and again in 2019, their modern era has been marked by an unbroken run from 2023 to 2026.
Behind that consistency lies a simple but disciplined formula.
“Consistent training throughout the year, with prayers all the time.”
It is a blend of structure, belief, and identity elements that have turned the school into a dependable national contender.
Despite their growing pedigree, Masero insists the focus remains unchanged. “We maintain the same momentum as in previous years.”
That continuity will be tested in Kisumu, where St Charles Lwanga finds itself navigating what the coach openly describes as a “pool of death.” Yet, there is no hesitation in his outlook.
“My objective is to take both teams to Morogoro, and I believe we will do wonders.”
The reference to Morogoro, the host of the East African Games, underscores the ambition that now defines the program. For St Charles, nationals are not the final destination, but a stepping stone.
Their form heading into the nationals reinforces that belief. At the Coast Regional Championships, St Charles Lwanga delivered a flawless campaign in both boys’ and girls’ categories, conceding minimal goals while scoring freely.
The boys’ team recorded wins over Dr Aggrey (4-0), SITA (9-0), Kenyatta High (2-1), Matuga (3-0), Jilore (2-0), and Mnyenzeni (3-0) before edging Barani (1-0) in the semifinals and defeating Waa (2-0) in the final.
The girls were equally dominant, beating Waa Girls (2-0) in the semifinals and thrashing Jilore (5-0) in the final to seal the regional crown.
It is a run that reflects both attacking efficiency and defensive discipline, hallmarks of a well-drilled side.
A key pillar of St Charles Lwanga’s success lies in its integration with club hockey structures along the Coast.
“I use the Coast Hockey League to maintain the system. Experienced players play for Mombasa West Hockey Club, and upcoming players play for St Charles,” says Masero.
This dual pathway ensures continuity in playing style and tactical understanding, allowing players to transition seamlessly between school and club environments.
“In school games, they feel secure as they all know what it means by playing.”
The result is a team that is not only technically sound but also tactically mature, an edge that often proves decisive at the national level.
A Winning Mentality
Beyond tactics and preparation, Masero emphasises mentality as a defining factor. “We always want to be at the top all the time, as our school motto drives us to ‘strive for success.”
That ambition is balanced with a grounded approach to competition.
“We handle every match one at a time, no pressure until the last match.”
It is a philosophy designed to navigate the unpredictable nature of school tournaments, where momentum can shift rapidly.
As the national tournament draws near, Masero acknowledges the evolving competitive landscape.
“Nyanza is coming up well due to the rise of various hockey clubs in the region, but for Western, we always have natural talents.”
Yet, despite the strength of opposition, his belief in his squad remains unwavering.
“We train everything, and we are always ready for whatever comes our way.”
For a program built on consistency, preparation, and belief, the message ahead of Kisumu is clear.
“I always believe our time is now. We don’t fear any team. We have an experienced team which can deliver.”
As St Charles Lwanga prepares to once again step onto the national stage, they do so not as outsiders, but as a team with a defined identity, proven system, and growing expectation.