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

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.

Ámbira'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.