The highly anticipated Term Two National Games are finally here, and all eyes are on Kakamega County as the nation’s brightest young football talents battle for supremacy.

From seasoned champions to hungry debutants, the pitches of Mumias are set to explode with drama, passion, and unforgiving competition. Here’s what to look out for as the action unfolds:

Boy’s soccer

Can Musingu Scorpions Finally Sting Their Way to Glory on Home Turf?

The 41-year wait. The heartbreak. The aching hope. Musingu High’s football faithful know this story all too well. But this year, the narrative feels different.

On home soil, the Western Region juggernauts return, fueled by redemption and led by veteran coach Brendan Mwinamo with one singular mission: to finally bring the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national football title back home.

Last year’s cruel penalty shootout loss in Kisii still stings, but the Scorpions are back, unbroken. A recent narrow 1-0 friendly defeat to Bukembe High has only sharpened their resolve.

Now, they face a fiery Pool A alongside North Eastern’s Wajir High, Eastern giants Moi High, and the surprise package Agai High from Nyanza (who sensationally knocked out Kisumu Day). Get ready for cagey group stage battles!

The “12th man”—the thunderous local crowd—will be crucial. Will the Scorpions write a new, glorious chapter, or will history’s cruel hand repeat itself?

Highway Kings Look to Defend Title in Hostile Territory

Reigning champions Highway Secondary, the undisputed “Kings of Nairobi,” have landed in Mumias with swagger, skill, and silverware firmly in their sights. Under the sharp tactical eye of Harambee Starlets boss Beldine Odemba, these city slickers are ready to impose their slick, attacking brand of football on pitches far from home.

Their flawless campaign last year culminated in a dominant 2-0 triumph over Olympic. But this time, the road to glory winds through dangerous terrain.

First up is a clash of titans with Rift Valley’s ever-resilient St Joseph’s Kitale, followed by matchups against Central’s tough Kirangari side and Coast champions Serani, known for their flair and hunger.

In the searing atmosphere of Kakamega County, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Highway stay in cruise control, or will the heat of the crowd and the pressure of expectations bring their reign to a grinding halt?

Girls’ soccer

Can Butere’s Red Commandos Secure a Historic Treble on Home Soil?

Impeccable. Ruthless. Relentless. That’s the DNA of Butere Girls, the reigning queens of Kenyan schoolgirl football. Two-time defending champions, the “Red Commandos” aren’t just playing to win; they’re marching into Kakamega to cement a dynasty. And now, the stars have aligned: a chance to clinch a historic third straight national title, right in front of their adoring home fans.

Head Coach Howard Shikanga isn’t mincing words: “We are not settling for anything less than a third consecutive title.” A declaration that sends a chilling message across all pools—the crown is emphatically not up for grabs.

But make no mistake, this year’s path is anything but predictable. The Butere giants find themselves in unfamiliar waters, drawn against national returnees Kobala Mixed and debutants Mwanambeyu Girls, the rising force from the Coast.

Mwanambeyu arrive with wind in their sails after pulling off a sensational comeback to win the Coast final 4-2 against Kachoroni, battling back from 2-0 down. That speaks volumes about their character. Their talisman, Rehema Chirondo, is the name on everyone’s lips. The prolific striker netted 10 goals in the regional showpiece and will be eyeing Butere’s famously disciplined backline.

This one has all the ingredients: firepower, pride, immense pressure, and a packed stadium. The burning question: Will Butere complete the treble, or will Chirondo and Mwanambeyu script a fairytale upset on the biggest stage yet?

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