SCHOOLS: Big names rule Western games

Militus Muchera (left) of Wiyeta Girls in action against Judith Okumu of Butere Girls in last year's national games. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Reigning champions called the shots on Thursday as battle for regional glory gathered momentum at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Western Region games.

East Africa volleyball champions Friends Boys High School Namwela and national football champions Butere Girls sent early warnings to their opponents as they sealed their places in today’s semis in the games at Bungoma High School and Sudi Stadium.

Namwela, who are looking to win their maiden national title this year, made light work of Vihiga Boys taking the first set 25-13.

They got better in the second set sealing 25-12 and 25-11 victory. They later beat Busia’s Katakwa Secondary School 3-0 (25-15, 25-9, 25-15) to reach the semi-finals.

Namwela’s coach Isaac Muresia said his charges are determined to retain their regional title.

“We started well and I urge my boys to remain focused. We are seeking another chance to try and win the national title,” Muresia said.

Namwela, who ended Malava Boys’ dominance in the sport, have everything to play for as they seek to clear the local hurdles so they can secure a ticket to Mbale, venue for this year’s East Africa games.

Former national volleyball title holders Malava Boys and Lugulu Girls also registered victories in their respective matches. Malava beat Chavakali in straight sets of 25-22, 26-24 and 25-18. Lugulu reached the semis after dismissing Mudavadi Girls 3-0(25-8, 25-8, 25-10) before coming from two sets down to beat defending champions St Martha Mwitoti 3-2.

In football, former national champions Ebwali Secondary School from Vihiga and Musingu High School didn’t have the best day in office. The two sides will be battling for survival today when they play their last Group B Matches.

Ebwali and Musingu played to a barren draw in their event opener, before the 2022 national winners Ebwali lost 1-0 to Bungoma’s Bukembe, while Musingu shared spoils with St Mary’s Mabunge RC from Busia in a tie that ended in a 2-2 deadlock.

Homeboys Bukembe and St Mary’s Kibabii High School secured their last four slots after winning their first two clashes. Kibabii edged out John Osogo Boys High School 1-0 in their opening tie before sealing their semis place with a 2-0 win over Chavakali Boys from Vihiga.