Nyakach Girls High School underlined their status as one of the favourites for the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games girls’ football title after defeating Rift Valley champions St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale (JOGA) 2-0 in their opening Group A match at the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika.
The Nyanza champions produced a composed display to overcome one of the country’s traditional school football powerhouses, with Kenya Under-17 international Beryl Okumu scoring both goals in the first half to hand the Plateau Queens a perfect start to their campaign. Beryl wasted little time reminding everyone why she is regarded as one of Kenya’s brightest young football prospects.
The creative attacking midfielder, who recently helped the Junior Starlets qualify for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, dictated play in midfield before striking twice in the opening half to put the contest beyond JOGA’s reach.
Her clinical brace proved decisive as Nyakach Girls comfortably managed the second half, frustrating the Rift Valley champions while preserving a clean sheet to collect all three points.
The performance marked a dream return to school football for Okumu, who missed Nyakach Girls’ entire KSSSA qualification campaign from the zonal stage through the regional championships while away on national team duty.
Despite her absence, the Plateau Queens remained unbeaten on their journey to the national finals, winning the Nyanza regional title after dethroning defending champions Kobala Girls before edging St. Mary’s Lwak Girls 1-0 in the final.
Now reunited with her teammates, Okumu has immediately strengthened an already formidable squad chasing its first national title since 2019.
Widely admired for her vision, creativity and ability to unlock stubborn defences, the gifted midfielder demonstrated exactly why she is expected to play a key role for Kenya when the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup gets underway later this year.
Her return gives head coach Chrispine Odindo another attacking weapon as Nyakach Girls pursue a second national crown.
The opening day’s results also confirmed that the battle for a semi-final place will be fiercely contested.
Nyakach Girls moved to the top of Group A on goal difference after their 2-0 victory, with Coast region champions Kaya Tiwi Girls also collecting maximum points following a narrow 1-0 win over Kiaritha Girls. The two winning sides now sit level on three points ahead of what could prove to be a decisive meeting later in the group stage.
In Group B, defending champions Archbishop Njenga (ABN) from Western began the defence of their title in convincing fashion, defeating Raila Educational Centre 3-0 to go top of the standings. Eastern region champions Misuuni Girls also enjoyed a winning start, edging Karibaribi Girls 2-1 to keep pace with the champions.
For Nyakach Girls, however, the opening victory carried added significance. National champions in 2019 and runners-up in 2024 before claiming bronze at the FEASSSA Games, the Plateau Queens have consistently remained among Kenya’s elite school football teams. This year’s squad appears equally capable of challenging for top honours, particularly with the return of key Junior Starlets players.
The disciplined display against St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale served as another reminder of their title credentials. Strong defensively, composed in possession and clinical in front of goal, Nyakach Girls looked every bit the side many tipped as one of the teams to beat in Thika.
With three points secured and momentum firmly on their side, the Plateau Queens have taken the first step towards their dream of reclaiming the KSSSA national crown, while Beryl Okumu’s match-winning performance has further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young football talents. The action resumes tomorrow with Nyakach facing Coast region representatives Kaya Tiwi.
