The race for glory is set to begin as Kisumu County Term Two games kick off on Wednesday across four venues — Kisumu Girls, Kisumu Boys, Kisumu Day and Moi Stadium.

With a packed schedule running from Wednesday to Saturday, schools across the county are eager to showcase their best talents in football, volleyball, netball, basketball and rugby.

Kisumu Day High School, the defending champions in boys football, will be looking to extend their dominance after lifting the title last year with a convincing 2-0 win over Agai at Maseno School.

Hosting the tournament this year, Kisumu Day is keen to give their home fans something to cheer about once again. Coach Booker Odhiambo exuded confidence as his boys gear up for another tough campaign.

“We have prepared well for this year’s competition. The boys have trained hard, and we know every team will be coming for us, but we are ready to defend our title,” said Odhiambo.

Kisumu Day finds itself in a challenging Group A alongside Kasagam, Muhoroni High, Ngere Boys and Olembo Boys.

Group B is also shaping up to be a fierce battle as Kisumu Boys, Agai, Lela Mixed, Dago Kokore, and Onjiko face off for a spot in the knockout stages.

On the girls’ side, defending champions Nyakach Girls will once again be the team to beat. They headline Group A with Ahero Girls, Migingo Girls, Dr. Aloo Gumbi, and Magadi.

Group B features Kudho, Ndiru Mixed, Koru Girls, Sinyolo Girls, and Magunga, all hungry to dethrone the reigning champions.

In rugby sevens, all eyes will be on Otieno Oyoo, who stunned many last year by reaching the national finals for the first time after finishing third at the regional level.

Despite losing to Maseno School 7-0 in last year’s county final, the team remains ambitious. Principal Boaz Adit believes they are ready to make another strong run.

“After our disappointment in Term One where our rugby 15s team lost at county level, we regrouped and focused on sevens. The boys are determined, and we believe we can once again qualify for the nationals,” Adit said.

Otieno Oyoo is in Group B with Magwar Model and Thurdibuoro, while Maseno, Chemelil, and Ngere make up Group A.

Group C has Nyabondo, Lions, and Jans, while Group D features Onjiko, Kisumu Day, Masogo and Muhoroni. With several strong teams in the mix, this year’s rugby 7s promises plenty of action and surprises.

The girls’ rugby 7s competition will also bring together some exciting talent. Nyakach Girls, also rugby 7s champions, headline Group A along with Kisumu Girls, Migingo Girls, and Lions. Group B includes Ojola Girls, Koru Girls, Sigoti Girls, Jans, and Masogo Mixed.

Nyakach will be looking to replicate their past successes but will face stiff competition from ambitious challengers.

Volleyball will see Nyabondo, Obambo, Otieno Oyoo, Nyamasaria, and Kisumu Day compete in Group A of the boys’ category, while Magadi, Ridore, Kandege, Onjiko, and Thur Dibuoro battle it out in Group B.

The girls’ volleyball competition has Nyakach Girls, Ahero Girls, Huma Girls, St. Barnabas, and Magadi in Group A, while Kisumu Girls, Koru Girls, Nduru Mixed, Okok Mixed, and Nyong’onga are in Group B. Nyakach Girls, who have been strong contenders in volleyball, will be aiming to add another trophy to their cabinet.

Netball action will see Nyakach Girls, Pala Mixed, Mbaka Oromo, Masogo, and Magadi contest in Group A, while Group B features Xaverian, Ngere Kagoro, Okok Mixed, St. Peters Kajulu, and Rae Girls.

Nyakach Girls will be hoping their dominance in football and rugby carries over to the netball courts.

Basketball 3×3 is also set for intense competition. Boys’ teams will be spread across four groups while the girls will compete in three. Onjiko, Chulaimbo, Angira, and Thurdibuoro will clash in Group A for boys, with Maseno, Chemelil, Otieno Oyoo, and Katolo in Group B.

Kisumu Boys lead Group C with Menara and Nyamasaria, while Lions, Ngere, and Nyabondo are in Group D.

In the girls’ category, Nyakach Girls, Huma Girls, Kasagam, Kisumu Girls, and Chemelil Academy are in Group A, with St. Barnabas, Dr. Aloo Gumbi, Oren, and St. Teresa in Group B. Group C includes Sinyolo Girls, Rae Girls, Katolo, and Koru Girls.

As excitement builds ahead of the opening matches, Kisumu County Secondary School Sports Association (KCSSSA) Secretary George Osura assured fans and teams that measures have been put in place to ensure smooth and fair competition.

“We have worked closely with security teams to ensure safety, especially during the high-stakes football matches. On the issue of age cheating, we have strict vetting procedures in place this year to protect the integrity of the games,” Osura stated.