The highly anticipated Nyanza Secondary Schools boys’ football opening game between defending champions Agoro Sare and Kisumu Day failed to take off at Cardinal Otunga, Mosocho due to crowd trouble.
Hundreds of fans poured into the field on Wednesday afternoon forcing officials to postpone the game to Thursday. Agoro Sare and Kisumu Day fans clashed twice before the game started.
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza Region secretary, Tom Odhiambo, said the game will be played on Thursday at an undisclosed venue.
“We would not proceed with the game because of insecurity. The drum-playing fans invaded the pitch and we had no option but to let them continue. The game will be played on Thursday,” said Odhiambo.
The second game between Sameta High and Matutu PAG Secondary from Nyamira was also disrupted by fans. Angry fans disputed Matutu PAG’s second goal, claiming it was scored from an offside position. By the time of disruption, the game was deadlocked at 1-1.
In the girls’ category, Nyakach, coached by Crispin Odundo, walloped hapless Moremani 13-0 in a one-sided game played at Kisii School. Maureen Atieno scored four times with captain Velma Awuor, Lillian Adhiambo and Emily Adhiambo grabbing a brace each. Lilian Adiambo, Sharon Odoyo and Joan Agola scored a goal apiece.
“This was alike a training game for the girls. However, this should not make them relax in the next game. Our focus is to reclaim our title,” said Odundo.
Defending champions St Mary’s Lwak Girls started their title defence on a winning note after edging Migori Education Centre 1-0. Gaudencia Ouma scored the lone goal.
Coach William Otieno said: “It was a tough game. Migori were equally a good side. Our target is to retain the regional trophy. The girls are prepared and ready,” said Otieno.
In boys’ volleyball, Nyabondo came from a set down to beat Nyamira’s Etomo Mixed 3-1 (26-28, 25-19, 25-17, 25-15) while in the girls’ category Nyakach saw off Migori County’s Kameji School in straight sets of 25-15, 25-13, and 25-12.
Nyanza Sports Vibez, a sports equipment store based in Kisii sponsored the tournament. Mwalimu National Sacco and Kisumu National Polytechnic also donated a trophy each.
