SCHOOLS: Kisumu Day and Agoro Sare match abandoned due to crowd trouble

Fans dance at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho high school football pitch in before Agoro Sare boys verses Kisumu Day match during Nyanza Regional Secondary school games in Kisii County. [Sammy Omingo]

The 2024 Nyanza Region Secondary School games kicked off on Wednesday on the back foot after scenes of hooliganism clouded the Term Two games when fan trouble forced the high octane match pitting defending champions Agoro Sare and Kisumu Day to be abandoned.

Agoro Sare were set to play nemesis Kisumu Day in the opening Group A match at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School but was shelved after Kisumu Day coach Booker Odhiambo raised insecurity.

Scenes of stone pelting and fans welding clubs were witnessed at Mosocho grounds while a few instances saw fans engage in fist blows before the match kicked off.

Police officers consult with referees before Agoro Sare Boys verses Kisumu Day football match at Cardinal Otunga Boys,Mosocho during Nyanza Regional Games in Kisii County.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Odhiambo said they raised the insecurity issue and it was agreed the match moved to an unknown ground and played without fans today.

“The security of our students is most important. We cannot have fans welding clubs in a match where young students are playing. That is not acceptable because you never know what will happen in the match where a student might be seriously injured,” said Odhiambo.

Despite the stoppage disrupting the team’s momentum, Odhiambo said they will be ready to face Agoro Sare at the undisclosed location.

“The players are demoralized it is true but their mental recovery is top notch. We shall be ready to play anywhere,” added Odhiambo.

Fans dance at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho high school football pitch in before Agoro Sare boys verses Kisumu Day match during Nyanza Regional Secondary school games in Kisii County.[Sammy Omingo]

Agoro Sare coach Fredrick Akuku said it was upon the management to ensure the grounds is safe for all students and they will be awaiting further instructions.

“It is beyond us as a school. The management need to ensure safety of all students. We are ready for the next decision on Thursday,” said Akuku.