SCHOOLS: Why Migori County hockey champions Ageng'a Mixed won't be easy pushovers

Ageng'a Mixed's Rebecca Wangari (right) in action against Nyamira Girls during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

As the Nyanza Region Secondary School games loom on the horizon, all eyes are on Ageng'a Mixed Secondary School.

The three-time champions from Migori County, are poised to make a mark once again.

Co-hosted by Kisumu Girls, Kisumu Boys, and Kisumu Day High School in Kisumu next week, the upcoming games promise a thrilling display of talent and fierce competition.

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School forward Rose Auma in action during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ageng'a Mixed first burst onto the scene in 2022, stunning spectators by dethroning Dede Girls to claim the hockey championship in their inaugural appearance.

This remarkable feat was no fluke, as they repeated their triumph the following year and are poised to make it a hat-trick this year.

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School hockey coach Aloice Owino instructs his players during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Under the guidance of former Sinyolo Girls hockey coach Aloice Owino, who boasts five East African titles, Ageng'a Mixed has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years.

Their journey has been marked by a remarkable trajectory of improvement and ambition. After reaching the semifinals of the Nyanza Region games in 2022 and finishing as runner-up in last year's edition, Ageng'a are eyeing the top spot with confidence and determination.

Owino, the architect behind Ageng'a's ascent, believes the team is now ripe for national finals.

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School hockey coach Aloice Owino instructs his players during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Reflecting on their journey, Owino said; "Our growth over the past three years has been phenomenal. We've learned from every match, and today, we stand stronger, more skilled, and more united than ever before. We believe this is our year to shine at the regionals and make our mark in the national finals."

The strategy for Ageng'a has been one of rigorous preparation, tactical finesse, and fostering a winning mindset among the players. Owino's experience and success with Sinyolo Girls has been pivotal in transforming Ageng'a into a hockey powerhouse in the region.

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School midfielder Kimberly Mueni (right) in action against Nyamira Girls during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ageng'a captain Everline Akinyi is a beacon of leadership and resilience on the field.

Speaking on the team's preparations, Akinyi emphasised on collective effort and determination.

"We've been training harder than before. Our focus has been on refining our techniques, enhancing our teamwork, and building our mental strength. We're not just aiming to win the regionals; we're focused on national finals."

The team's spirit is buoyed by their recent triumph where they outclassed Anjego Secondary School with a convincing 4-0 victory in the Migori County finals.

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School's Martha Mmboga (right) in action against Nyamira Girls' Vivian Akinyi during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

This form is something Ageng'a intends to carry into the regional games, setting the stage for intense competition and high stakes.

The regional games offer a platform for Ageng'a to showcase their talent, ambition, and the fruits of their relentless preparation.

With teams from across the region converging in Kisumu for a week of intense competition, the stage is set for memorable performances and the emergence of new champions.

As Ageng'a steps onto the field, they carry not just the hopes of their school but the aspirations of their community, ready to challenge the status quo and carve out a new chapter in the annals of the Nyanza Region Secondary School games.

Ageng'a Mixed Secondary School

County-Migori

Head Coach-Aloice Owino

Team Manager- Rose Achieng

Captain-Everline Akinyi

Assistant Captain-Kimberly Mueni

Squad-Violet Anyango, Mercy Musira, Hamisi Mwanajuma, Velma Achieng, Everline Akinyi, Rebecca Wangari, Nelly Mmbone, Phoebe Atieno, Josephine Moraa, Rose Atieno, Jospehine Moraa, Martha Mmboga, Cynthia Auma, Bellamy Akinyi, Kimberly Mueni, Happy Misango, Teresa Aglin, Juliet Adhiambo, Yvone Miginde, Flora Aono, Christabel Wangari