SCHOOLS: Ambira Mobimba stun St Mary's Yala to win Siaya County football title

Ambira's talisman Alex ‘Alonso’ Mchumbe [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ambira High School are the new Siaya County Secondary School football champions.

Fondly referred to as Mobimba, Ambira narrowly saw off favorites St Mary’s School Yala 1-0 in an entertaining football boys’ final played at Chianda High School on Saturday.

Ámbira's Lewis Ramadhan (R) in action against Messi of St Mary's Yala during the Siaya County finals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Alex ‘Alonso’ Mchumbe emerged the hero of the day after scoring 10 minutes from full time to seal the win for Ambira who will be making a return to the Nyanza Regional finals for the first time since 2010.

Speaking after their win, Ambira head coach Jerry Opondo praised his charges for mentally fighting off their underdogs tag in the finals and outplaying their opponent to emerge champions.

Ambira Mobimba head coach Jerry Opondo lifted up by fans in celebration after winning Siaya county football title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Opondo who was part of the Ambira side that played at the regionals 14-years as a student was belated after returning back to help his school qualify again to the regionals.

“Massive congratulations to the boys. This was a tough final but I am glad the boys showed their worth by beating one of the best teams in Siaya to win the top prize.

“The journey is not yet done and Ambira is going places. Our plan is to expose the talent of Ambira to the world starting in the regionals,” said Opondo.

St Mary's Lwak Girls (R) in action against Hawinga Girls. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In girl’s football, Nyanza Region champions St Mary’s Lwak Girls defended their gong after coming from behind to edge out Hawinga Girls 2-1.

Despite the defeat, Hawinga will be at the regional finals courtesy of Lwak Girls being the defending champions and thus Siaya County producing two teams.

Ambira High School also won the basketball 3x3 after edging out Sawagongo 13-9. Ambira will also send Alfred Danga and Seth Chacha to the regionals in racket games, specifically in lawn tennis.

Led by Teresa Mirieu and Stephen Onoka, Ambira lawn tennis is targeting to go past the regionals.

“We believe it is achievable after coming all the way from the zonal. The dream is big and we know we can conquer Kisii,” said Mirieu.

St Mary's Yala Fredrick Nyamboga (C) in action against Ambira.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In rugby sevens, St Mary’s Yala and Nyakongo Girls were crowned champions.

Yala hammered Sawagongo 38-0 to emerge victorious in the boy’s final as Nyakongo narrowly edged out Sidindi 5-0.

“Our target is to get to East Africa again after qualifying to the same stage last year for the first time. We know we have the talent and quality to get on top but our strategy still remains taking a game at a time,” said Yala head coach George Kerima.

Ng'iya Girls's Tracy Sally (L) in action. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya Girls meanwhile were crowned the basketball girls 3x3 champions after crushing Barchando 11-5 in the finals as Kandaria won the netball title.

Hosts Chianda High School bagged the volleyball boys title as Nyakongo went home with the girls gong.