Thika is set to become the hub of Kenya's school sports as the KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games get underway on Sunday at the M Pesa Foundation Academy.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe five-day championship, which runs until Thursday, will bring together the country's best secondary school teams in football, volleyball, netball, rugby sevens, basketball 3×3, and a host of indoor and emerging sports, with several new champions set to be crowned.A major talking point heading into the games is the absence of defending champions in both boys' and girls' football.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872202##St. Joseph's Boys Kitale failed to advance past the Trans Nzoia County championships, while Butere Girls were eliminated in the Western Region finals, leaving the race for the national title wide open.Nyanza champions St. Mary's School Yala will make their long-awaited national debut when they face Menengai High School in one of Sunday's headline fixtures.Coach Calvince Onyango insists the Black Saints are not travelling to Thika to make up the numbers."Our focus is to win the first match. It's a must-win game for us. We want to go all the way and lift the title."Former Shabana head coach lands new role at FKF Premier League clubFormer champions Tononoka High will renew rivalries with Highway Secondary in another blockbuster clash, while record national champions Kakamega High School return to the national stage for the first time in eight years against Takaba Secondary from the North Eastern region.Western champions Green Commandos, who are seeking to reclaim the title they last clinched in 2018, are confident of a positive start under coach Enock Luche."We want to start the championship on a winning note," said Luche. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9872188##Western champions Archbishop Njenga Girls will launch their bid to reclaim the national title against Nairobi region champions Raila Educational Centre.Former champions Nyakach Girls face one of the toughest opening assignments against Rift Valley champions St. Joseph's Girls Kitale, while Kaya Tiwi meet Kiarithia and Karibaribi take on Misuuni.With last year's champions Butere Girls missing from the competition, the battle for the national crown is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years.VolleyballIn boys' volleyball, debutants Masara Mixed from Migori County begin their national journey against Furaha High School as Ruthimitu face Chesamisi.KSSSA: Kesogon Girls eye national glory as volleyball rivals prepare for another showdown with KwanthanzeChepsaita will also be making their national debut against Kiambaa, while Moi Forces Academy play Matiliku.Chesamisi earned a late ticket to the championship after defending champions Malava High School were disqualified.In the girls' competition, defending champions Kwanthanze Girls open their title defence against St Martha's Mwitoti Girls.KSSSA: Why more schools are being disqualified ahead of National GamesFormer champions Kesogon face St Cecilia Aluor, while Nairobi champions Soweto Academy begin their campaign against Mwanambeyu.NetballIn netball, three-time champions Kaya Tiwi start their quest for another national title against Raila Educational Centre.Nyanza champions Asumbi Girls face Western region regulars Bukokholo Girls in one of the standout fixtures, while Moi Forces Kibwezi play Andersen Mixed and Kinale Girls take on Hon DM Amin.##NAJAVA_MECA_9874395##Other sportsBeyond the traditional disciplines, this year's championship will mark the official debut of baseball, cricket, lacrosse, beach volleyball, chess, and Scrabble at the National Term Two Games.The draws for rugby sevens and basketball 3×3 will be conducted on site, according to KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi.The M Pesa Foundation Academy will serve as the main venue, hosting the opening ceremony on Sunday morning before football, volleyball, netball, rugby sevens, basketball, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, chess and scrabble matches begin.KSSSA: Green Commandos back where they belong as Luche targets record-extending 15th national titleMangu High School and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) will stage baseball and lacrosse competitions throughout the championship before hosting the semi-finals and finals of the new sports.Ahead of Sunday's kick-off, KSSSA officials, teachers, and students took part in a tree-planting exercise at Mangu High School as part of the championship activities.A meeting bringing together all team managers is also scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the M Pesa Foundation Academy to finalise preparations before the national championships officially get underway.KSSSA: Meet the seven schools eyeing national title in Thika