Defending Nyanza region Secondary Schools boys’ football champions Agoro Sare will start their title defence tomorrow with a tricky tie against former champions Kisumu Day as the regional Term Two showpiece kicks off at Kisii School.
The game will be a repeat of last year’s final, where Agoro Sare emerged winners on 7-6 post-match penalties after a barren draw during regular and extra time.
Agoro Sare coach Fredrick Akumu said he is ready for their title defence. “We have the tag of defending champions and favourites. However, it will be a difficult competition because all the teams are equally good. My philosophy is to take one game at a time,” said Akuku.
Agoro Sare and Kisumu Day are in Pool ‘A’ alongside Kodero Bara and debutants Ong’icha from Kisii. The pool has been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.
Kisumu Day’s team manager Booker Odhiambo said their target is to reclaim their title which they lost to Agoro Sare last year at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
“We are in the ‘Pool of Death’ but as Kisumu Day, we are going to Kisii prepared to defend our title,” said Odhiambo.
In Pool ‘B’ opening game, Kisii County’s Sameta High will battle with Matutu PAG from Nyamira in a Gusii region derby. Other teams in the pool are Ambira (Siaya) and Homa Bay’s Tonga.
In the girls’ category, defending champions Lwak Girls start their title defence against Migori Education Centre in Pool ‘A’ while Pool ‘B’ opening game will pit former champions Nyakach Girls against Kisii County’s champions Moremani.
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza Region secretary, Thomas Odhiambo said Kisii School and Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho are ready to host the showpiece.
He said Kisii School will host football, netball and racquet games while rugby 7s, volleyball and basketball 3x3 will be staged at Cardinal Otunga.
“We want to have the football final at Gusii Stadium but if it’s not ready. We shall, therefore, have it at Cardinal Otunga High School,” said Odhiambo.
