SCHOOLS: After 14 years in the cold, Ambira Mobimba is calm ahead of Nyanza Region return

Football
By Washington Onyango | Jul 10, 2024
Ambira High School star Griffins Esala walks calmingly during the Siaya County finals against St Mary's Yala. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

After being in the cold for 14 years, newly crowned Siaya County football champions Ambira High School will be hoping for a smooth return to the Nyanza Regional finals when they kick off their campaign against Tonga from Homa Bay County on Thursday morning.

Ambira who are fondly referred to as 'Mobimba' are in Group B with Tonga, Sameta and Matutu School.

Ambira High School coach Jerry Opondo is carried in celebration by fans after Mobimba won the Siaya County title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

"The journey is not over yet and Ambira is going places. Our plan is to expose the talent of Ambira to the world starting at the regionals," said Ambira head coach Jerry Opondo.

Ambira narrowly saw off favorites St Mary's School Yala 1-0 in an entertaining football boys' final played at Chianda High School last month on June 22.

Ambira's talisman Alex 'Alonso' Mchumbe.[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.

Opondo has praised his charges for mentally fighting off their underdogs tag in the Siaya County finals and will be carrying the same mentality to Kisii.

Ambira's Lewis Ramadhan (R) in action against St Mary's Yala during the Siaya County finals.[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.

Ambira High School coach Jerry Opondo is carried in celebration by fans after Mobimba won the Siaya County title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

"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.

Defending champions Agoro Sare High School will kick off the matches on Wednesday against arch rivals Kisumu Day.

Share this story
It's fresh faces and familiar rivals as Stars prepare for 2027 Afcon
Coach McCarthy has named five new faces in Harambee Stars squad.Kenya to face South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea in 2027 Afcon qualifiers.,
SportPesa Premier League: APS Bomet edge Bandari to ease relegation fears
The win eased off relegation fears APS Bomet have been battling for the better part of their debut season in the Premier League.
Experienced Okello, Chajira named in Kenya Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa Cup
Kenya Lionesses have named an experienced squad featuring Janet Okello and Sheila Chajira for the Rugby Africa Cup as they aim to improve on their previous runner-up finish.
McCarthy set for emotional South Africa reunion after AFCON Draw
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is preparing for an emotional clash against his home country after Kenya was drawn with South Africa in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Junior Starlets gear up for World Cup qualifier encounter against Uganda
Junior Starlets have set their sights on a crucial away win over Uganda’s Teen Cranes as they aim to secure their return to the global stage.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS