SCHOOLS: Little-known Koderobara seek the vacant national football throne in Kisii

Clifton Makori of Koderobara High School (left) in action against Matutu PAG during the Nyanza Region football finals at Mois Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

This year’s national Term Two boys’ football contest will be one of a kind.

None of the eight teams that competed in last year’s finals in Kakamega will parade their squads for this year’s finals that begin next week in Kisii.

Defending champions St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale, Dagoretti High School, Shanderema Secondary School, Agoro Sare High School, Serani, Matiliku Boys, and Khoros Harar, did not make it back to the national stage.

With the title up for grabs, teams are rubbing their hands in glee, ready to triumph where the other big boys couldn’t.

Koderobara High School football players celebrate after winning the Nyanza Region title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Koderobara High School, the newly crowned champions of the Nyanza Region football champs, are one of those thirsty teams.

Known affectionately as "Koses", Koderobara clinched the Nyanza Region title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Matutu PAG in the finals, ending the reign of defending champions Agoro Sare High School from Homa Bay, who were ousted in the semi-finals.

The Migori County champions, Koderobara showcased their prowess by defeating Ambira High School in the semis.

Koderobara High School football players celebrate after winning the Nyanza Region title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Their unbeaten streak in the regional tournament included notable victories against powerhouses like Kisumu Day High School and draws with formidable opponents Agoro Sare and Ongicha in the preliminaries.

This impressive run has bolstered their confidence as they head into the nationals.

Koses coach Moses Otieno is determined to make a mark on the national stage, highlighting the immense talent within his squad. "Our goal is to expose Koderobara's talent to the entire nation," Otieno stated.

"We have a group of dedicated and skilled players who are ready to show Kenya what we are made of."

Otieno is aware of the challenges that are ahead and remains humble about his team’s prospects.

“Every team that has reached the nationals is strong and not to be underestimated,” he said. “We respect our opponents, but we are here to compete and aim for the big crown.”

Koderobara High School football team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In the preliminary rounds, Koderobara are in Group A that also has Western champions Musingu School, Kirangari, and Machakos Boys.

Group B has Dr. Aggrey from Coast, St. Joseph Boy’s Kitale, Highway from Nairobi, and the North Eastern representative.

Koderobara's journey to the nationals is not just a testament to their skill but also to their resilience and determination.

Their success has ignited the hopes of their supporters and inspired a sense of pride within their community in Migori.

As the countdown to the KSSSA National Term Two games begins, all eyes will be on Koderobara to see if they can continue their remarkable run and etch their name in the annals of Kenyan school football history.

"We have worked hard to get here, and we will give our best to make our school and region proud," Otieno asserted.