SCHOOLS: Kisumu Day ready to march to Nyanza Region Term Two finals

Kisumu Day players celebrate after scoring during KSSSA Term Two games.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu Day High School football team is confident of reaching the finals of the 2024 Nyanza Region Secondary School Term Two games set to kick off at Kisii School in Kisii County on Wednesday.

The regional games promise high-stakes action and fierce competition in football, volleyball, netball, basketball 3x3, racket games and rugby Sevens.

Kisumu Day players.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu Day will kick off their campaign with a high-stakes match against defending champions Agoro Sare High School from Homa Bay at 2pm in Group A.

The group also features new Migori County champions Kodero Obara and Ongicha from Kisii, making it a challenging pool for all teams.

This preliminary match is highly anticipated, as it serves as a repeat of last year’s thrilling final where Agoro Sare edged out Kisumu Day 7-6 in penalties to qualify for the national finals for the first time.

Kisumu Day coaches Booker Odhiambo (center) gretas his counterpart Benjamin Oyoo after winning Kisumu County titile.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu Day’s coach, Booker Odhiambo, is determined to dethrone the reigning champions.

Reflecting on last year’s narrow penalty loss, Odhiambo is optimistic about their chances this time around.

"Last year’s final was a heartbreak, but it has fueled our hunger to reclaim our title. Our focus is to come out of the pool unscathed and take it one match at a time," Odhiambo said.

"We have a balanced team with a blend of experience and young talent. If we stick to our game plan and play with the intensity we have shown in our training sessions, I believe we can go all the way."

Kisumu Day's Benson Lomuria and Breidone Simidi (right) celebrate after a past win. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

However, Agoro Sare's head coach, Fredrick Akuku, is confident, yet cautious about their prospects.

"We know the challenge that lies ahead, especially after a tough Homa Bay County finals where we had to dig deep to retain our title," Akuku said.

"Our focus is on executing our game plan with precision. We have been working on our defensive solidity and quick transitions to catch our opponents off-guard. The goal is to return to the national finals, and we believe we have the squad to achieve that."

Nyakach Girls center Esther Achieng and left attacker Veroline Agola attempt to block a shot during Kisumu County volleyball final against Koru Girls.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In girls' volleyball, defending champions Nyakach Girls are poised to face off against Ogande Girls, Kameji, and Kiabigoria in Group A.

Nyakach Girls’ coach, Emmanuel Obimbo, is confident in his team’s ability to retain their title.

"We have prepared well for this tournament, and our goal is clear - to defend our regional gong and make it to the nationals again," Obimbo said. "The girls have shown great commitment and teamwork, and we are ready to take on any challenge."

Nyakach Girls left attacker Margret Naliaka (center) in action against Koru Girls.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Group B has Ikonge, Nyakembene, Siaya, and Koru. The competition is expected to be intense as all teams vie for the coveted spot in the national finals.

Nyanza Region Secondary School Term Two games

FOOTBALL BOYS

Group A - Agoro Sare, Kodero Obara, Kisumu Day, Ongicha
Group B - Sameta, Ambira, Matutu, Tonga

FOOTBALL GIRLS

Group A - Lwak, Alara, Migori Education Center, Nyabisase
Group B - Moremani, Geke, Nyakach, Hawinga

VOLLEYBALL BOYS

Group A - Nyabondo, Gogo, Etono, Riokindo
Group B - Nyabisia, Sagegi, Chianda, Onjiko

VOLLEYBALL GIRLS

Group A - Nyakach, Ogande, Kameji, Kiabigoria
Group B - Nyakembene, Siaya, Ikonge, Koru

NETBALL

Group A - Oyugi Ogango, Siaya, Lambwe, Omwari
Group B - Ayora, Nyakach, Rirumi, Nyango

BASKETBALL BOYS

Group A - Onjiko, Homabay High, Ekenyoro
Group B - Ambira, Kisii School, Migori B
Group C - Agoro Sare, Maseno, Nyansiongo
Group D - Nyanchwa, Kanga, Sawagongo

BASKETBALL GIRLS

Group A - Ogande, Barchando, Tuk Jowi
Group B - Nyakach, Kereri, Sironga
Group C - Ngiya, Ulanda, Asumbi
Group D - Sengera, St Barnabas, Manga