After new champions were crowned over the weekend in the just-concluded Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kisii and Nyamira County games, battle for the KSSSA Term One national tickets will begin tomorrow when Nyanza Region games kick off at Rapogi Boys.
Upsets were witnessed all over the Nyanza counties where heavyweights were floored cutting across hockey, rugby, basketball and handball.
In Siaya County, Ng’iya Girls High School ended Nyamira Girls decade long dominance in the girls’ hockey, while Nyabondo silenced Maseno School who have dominated rugby in Kisumu County for years.
The situation was similar in Homa Bay where little-known Ojijo Oteko replaced girls’ handball heavyweights Miranga, while Huma Girls were too good for Kisumu Girls and five-time East Africa hockey girls’ champions Sinyolo Girls in Kisumu.
“We are expecting very intense but entertaining games in Migori for the next four days. What we have witnessed in the counties is promising because many schools are now daring heavyweights.
“In the past, rugby and hockey were left for the likes of Maseno, Nyamira, Sinyolo and Kisumu Day but we are happy that many schools are coming out of their shells to give these heavyweights a run for their money,” said Nyanza Region Secondary School games Vice chairman Ngala Mbuor.
Ng’iya Girls hockey coach Edwin Ogony said he is ready to go for the big title after last year’s semifinal feat. They will face off with Anjego, Huma, and Amaiko in Group A.
“We did not have a strong side last year. We lost 4-0 to Nyamira who went all the way to the East African games in Uganda and now that we beat them in Siaya, the confidence is even higher ahead of the regionals,” said Ogony.
Ng’iya defeated Nyamira 2-0 in eight seconds after having played out to a 1-1 draw during regular time.
Nyamira, who are the defending champions, will play Ogande, Geke, and last year’s finalists Ageng’a Mixed Secondary School from Migori.
In basketball, defending champions Agoro Sare, will play Nyanchwa Boys, Ekenyoro Tech, and Migori Boys in Group A.
Ringa Boys, who will join Agoro from Homa Bay County to the regionals, will be in Group B alongside Kisumu team (Maseno and Onjiko final yet to be decided by time going to press), Sawagongo and Rapogi.
In rugby, defending champs Kisii headlines Group A alongside Gekano, Nyabondo, and Rapogi.