SCHOOLS: Kisumu Day to renew rivalry with Maseno School in hockey

Kisumu Day hockey coach Booker Odhiambo (right) instructs his players during a past match.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu Day are confident of retaining the Kisumu County Secondary School hockey boy's title ahead of this year's county finals set to kick off on Thursday with schools across the county ready to showcase their talents and vie for the top honors across various sports disciplines.

The 2024 Kisumu County school games will be jointly co-hosted by Kisumu Girls, Kisumu Day and Kisumu Boys High School for four days where the finals will be played on Saturday.

The Term One games will majorly see students take part and compete in basketball, hockey, rugby, athletics and handball.

However, in Kisumu, the spotlight is firmly on hockey, where defending champions Kisumu Day are preparing to renew their fierce rivalry with Maseno School.

Last year, Maseno School caused a major upset by clinching the Nyanza Region title, despite having lost to Kisumu Day in the county finals.

This year, the anticipation is palpable as both teams have been drawn in Group A, alongside Onjiko and Otieno Oyoo, making it a must-watch battle from the get-go.

Kisumu Day hockey coach Booker Odhiambo (right) instructs his players during a past match.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In an exclusive interview, Kisumu Day's coach, Booker Odhiambo, shared insights into their preparations for this year's games.

"We've been focusing on our strengths and analyzing our previous encounters with Maseno. Our aim is to leverage our tactical discipline and cohesion to outmaneuver our rivals.

"The boys are in high spirits, and we've honed our strategies to ensure we not only reclaim the county title but also set our sights on the regional and national levels," Odhiambo stated, emphasizing the team's determination to overcome their adversaries.

The girls' hockey also promises to be a thrilling affair, with five-time East African champions Sinyolo Girls aiming to defend their title.

Sinyolo, known for their dominant play and tactical prowess, are favorites to top Group A, which includes Kisumu Girls and St. Barnabas.

The team's consistent performance at both county and regional levels underscores their ambition to retain the crown and add another chapter to their illustrious history.

Kisumu County Secondary School games pools

HOCKEY BOYS

Group A-Maseno, Kisumu Day, Onjiko, Otieno Oyoo

Group B-Nyabondo, Ngere, Kisumu Boys, Bar Korumba

HOCKEY GIRLS

Group A-Sinyolo, Kisumu Girls, St. Barnabas

Group B-Rae, Chemelil, Huma

Group C-Koru, Ahero, Asol