Black Saints, Maseno, and St Anthony’s Kitale to renew rivalry at Yala Open

Sport

Black Saints, Maseno, and St Anthony’s Kitale to renew rivalry at Yala Open

St Mary’s Yala in action against Ambira High School during the Siaya County Term Two football finals. 25-1-2025 [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The stage is set for an electrifying weekend as the highly anticipated Yala Invitational Tournament kicks off on Saturday at St Mary’s School Yala.

The tournament, a curtain-raiser for the 2025 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One Games, promises thrilling matchups across rugby, football, basketball, and hockey.

The event will bring together 42 schools and institutions, including Siaya County giants St Mary’s Yala (Black Saints), 2023 KSSSA national football champions St Anthony’s Kitale (Solidarity Boys), and perennial powerhouse Maseno School (Equator Boys). Other notable participants include defending Yala Open football champions Ebwali Secondary School, Kakamega High (Green Commandos), and Agoro Sare Boys (Yenga Yenga).

**St Mary’s Yala Principal Victor Makanda (left) shares a light momemnt**. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Speaking ahead of the tournament, St Mary’s Yala Principal V.O. Makanda expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the school’s readiness to host the competition.

“Sports are an integral part of our institution, just as academics are. We believe in nurturing holistic individuals, and tournaments like these provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and prepare for the Term One Games,” Makanda said.

The football competition is expected to draw the most attention, with St Mary’s Yala aiming to reclaim their glory against formidable opponents such as St Anthony’s Kitale, Maseno School, Kakamega High, and Ebwali.

The Black Saints’ football team, renowned for their disciplined style of play, is eager to test their mettle ahead of the county-level Term One qualifiers.

Tournament Director and St Mary’s Yala games master Peter Ojwala assured fans of a well-organized event, highlighting the extensive preparations undertaken.

“We have secured additional venues, including Nyamninia Primary, Nyamninia Secondary, Ulumbi, Odera Akang’o, Sawagongo, Yala Township, and Anyiko, to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. This year’s edition will be bigger and better,” Ojwala affirmed.

**St Mary’s Yala in action against Bwake.** [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In rugby, the competition promises to be fierce as Koyonzo Secondary School, Kakamega High, Maseno School, and St Mary’s Yala renew their rivalry. Maseno School’s games master, Benard Olang, explained why the school decided to participate in multiple disciplines.

“Our goal is to expose our students to high-level competition and prepare them comprehensively for the Term One Games. The Yala Open is the perfect platform to achieve this,” Olang noted.

Beyond the intense rivalries, the tournament underscores the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and excellence among students. With entries from a diverse range of schools, including Sigomere, Chavakali Boys, Friends School Kamusinga, Butere Boys, and Maseno University, the event showcases the rich talent pool in Western Kenya.

As fans eagerly anticipate the weekend’s action, the Yala Invitational Tournament is poised to set the tone for the 2025 KSSSA Term One Games.

St Mary’s Yala, Maseno School, and St Anthony’s Kitale are all eager to make their mark, and their clashes promise to deliver unforgettable moments.

The action kicks off on Saturday morning, with matches scheduled across the designated venues. For sports enthusiasts, Yala will undoubtedly be the place to be this weekend.

THE YALA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT 25-26 JAN 2025.

CONFIRMED ATTENDANCE LIST OF SCHOOLS/INSTITUTIONS