SCHOOLS: St. Mary's School Yala gears up for intense hockey battle in Siaya

St Mary's School Yala hockey team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Defending champions St. Mary's School Yala are gearing up to retain their hockey title amidst fierce competition at the Siaya County Secondary School Term One games.

With the tournament set to kick off on Thursday, anticipation is high as teams from across the county prepare to battle it out on the hockey pitch.

In the hockey boys' division, St. Mary's School Yala finds itself in Group A alongside Barding High School and Sirembe Secondary School. This pool promises thrilling matches as each team vies for supremacy in pursuit of the coveted championship title.

St Mary's Yala star poses with a new hockey stick.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Meanwhile, Group B features Sawagongo High School, Ambira High School, Usenge Secondary School, and Chianda Secondary School, setting the stage for intense competition and exciting clashes on the hockey field.

In the hockey girls' category, St. Mary's School Yala's path to retaining their title sees them placed in Group A alongside Nyamira Secondary School and Ngiya Girls' High School. Group B comprises Lwak Girls' High School, Sinaga Girls' High School, and Mbaga Girls' High School.

St Mary's School Yala hockey team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

These pools are brimming with talent, and each team is poised to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of victory.

Yala coach Partoh Mola expressed confidence in his team's preparations for the upcoming games. "We have been training rigorously and focusing on fine-tuning our strategies to ensure we maintain our championship status," said Mola.

He also highlighted the unwavering support they've received from the school administration, led by Principal Victor Makanda.

Yala hockey player poses with a new hockey stick. INSET: New hockey sticks.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Mola commended principal Makanda for his dedication to promoting sports and academics balance at St. Mary's School Yala.

"The support towards balancing sports and academics didn't end with handball," stated Mola.

"The school principal extended his greatness to the hockey team through purchasing of equipment."

He further explained that the team received essential hockey equipment such as sticks, goalkeepers kit, balls, and socks.

Moreover, Mola revealed that Principal Makanda has pledged his presence at the games in Karapul, Siaya, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the team. "He still promised to be present for the games at Karapul in Siaya," Mola affirmed. "The promising team was also promised a new playing kit on success over this week."

St Mary's Yala Principal Victor Makanda (left) during a past jersey presentation.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

With the backing of their supportive administration and equipped with the necessary resources, St. Mary's School Yala's hockey team is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in the upcoming tournament.

The players, motivated by their coach and principal's support, have pledged to strive for greatness and uphold the school's proud tradition of excellence in sports.

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on St. Mary's School Yala as they aim to defend their hockey title and emerge victorious once again.

HOCKEY BOYS

Group A-Yala, Barding, Sirembe

Group B-Sawagongo, Ambira, Usenge, Chianda

HOCKEY GIRLS

Group A-Nyamira, Ngiya, Nyawara

Group B-Lwak, Sinaga, Mbaga