SCHOOLS: Amidst dark clouds, new champions illuminate Nyanza school games

Cardinal Otunga Mosocho rugby fans cheer their team during a match against Otieno Oyoo secondary school their school.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The 2024 Nyanza Region Secondary School games in Kisii will be remembered for its tumultuous events, where fan trouble, hooliganism, and cancellations overshadowed the athletic prowess on display.

However, amidst the chaos, new champions emerged, showcasing the resilience and beauty of secondary school sports.

The games kicked off last Wednesday at the Cardinal Otunga Mosocho grounds with high expectations.

The high-stakes football match between defending champions Agoro Sare High School and rivals Kisumu Day High School was set to be the highlight.

However, the match never saw the light of day as fan trouble and security concerns forced its cancellation.

Sagegi secondary school Volleyball players in action against Nyabondo secondary school at Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho during Nyanza Region Secondary school games.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]

In another match on the same day, Nyamira County giants Matutu PAG faced Sameta from Kisii. Matutu was leading 2-1 when the game was abandoned in the 85th minute due to a pitch invasion by fans. The situation escalated during the semifinals on Friday.

Fans engaged in fistfights, hurling stones, and wielding clubs when Matutu led 2-0 against Agoro Sare.

The chaotic scenes led to the postponement of rugby Sevens finals, volleyball semifinals, and girls’ football semifinals, which had to be rescheduled for Saturday.

The fan trouble not only disrupted the games, but also resulted in injuries to Matutu’s players and their technical bench.

The violence led to the postponement of the final match between Koderabara and Matutu to a later date. This decision was taken pending Agoro Sare’s appeal against their loss to Matutu and the recovery of the injured Matutu players and staff.

St Mary's Yala scrum half ALbert Otieno (center) leads his teammates in performing tjeir version of the 'Haka' after veing crowned Nyanza Region rugby sevens champions.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Despite the disruptions, the games continued, and new champions emerged in various disciplines, showcasing the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship.

In rugby Sevens, Nyakach Girls were crowned new champions, marking their first qualification to the national finals. They dethroned Koru Girls with a decisive 5-0 victory over Nyagichenche in the finals.

In the third-place playoff, Nyakongo narrowly defeated Sidindi 12-10, securing their spot in the national finals alongside Nyakach, Nyagichenche, and Sidindi.

In girls’ football, Homa Bay champions Alara emerged victorious, defeating former champions Nyakach Girls 2-1 in the finals. Nyakach Girls had earlier knocked out defending champions St Mary’s Lwak Girls from Siaya with an impressive 7-0 win in the semifinals. However, they couldn’t replicate their performance against the new queens, Alara.

The volleyball finals saw the naming of new champions as well. Nyakongo from Siaya dethroned Nyakach Girls with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the girls’ category.

In the boys’ category, Nyabondo from Kisumu saw off Sagegi 3-1 to claim the title.

Defending boys’ volleyball champions Onjiko were knocked out in the group stages, making way for new contenders to rise.

Ng'iya Girls Cindy Patience (L) in action against Nyakach Girls during the Nyanza Region basketball3x3 finals. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In basketball 3x3, Ng’iya Girls from Siaya clinched the title by defeating Nyakach Girls 10-6 in the finals.

The defending champions, Otot Mixed from Homa Bay, failed to make it to the regionals after losing in the county stages, paving the way for Ng’iya Girls to shine.

Despite the disruptions and violence, the 2024 Nyanza Region Secondary School Games showcased the undeniable talent and potential of young athletes in the region.

The emergence of new champions in various sports disciplines is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these students.

Ng'iya Girls baksetball 3x3 players Cecilia Atieno (left) Tracy Sally and Cindy Patience.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The organizers now face the challenge of addressing the security concerns that overshadowed this year's event especially ahead of the national finals set to be held in Kisii later this month.

 Ensuring the safety of participants and spectators must be a priority moving forward to preserve the integrity and spirit of the games.

Nyanza Region Secondary School champions

Football Girls': St Alfred Alara, Homa Bay

Volleyball Boys: Nyabondo Boys, Kisumu

Volleyball Girls: Nyakongo Girls, Siaya

Rugby 7s Boys: St Mary's Yala, Siaya

Basketball 3x3 Boys: Onjiko Boys, Kisumu

Basketball Girls: Ng’Girls, Siaya

Netball Girls: Oyugi Ogango, Migori

NB

Football Boys final postponed until further notice.