Koderobara set for the final duel against Matutu PAG in Nyanza football

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza region boys’ football final between Koderobara and Matutu PAG will be played in Kisumu County today.

Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association secretary Tom Odhiambo said the game will be played behind closed doors.

“A decision has been reached to have the game at a neutral venue and without fans,” said Odhiambo. He said the teams should be in Kisumu by 8 am.

Odhiambo said an appeal lodged against Matutu PAG by Agoro Sare had been dismissed.

Agoro Sare lodged an appeal against Matutu PAG for allegedly fielding ineligible players in their abandoned semi-final game.

The semi-final which was played at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho on Friday was abandoned in the 75th minute due to crowd trouble. By the time of abandonment, Matutu PAG were leading 2-0.

Koderobara coach Jacob Aloo exuded confidence that his boys would go to Kisumu to pick the trophy in their fifth attempt.

“The boys are ready for the final. Even though it has been delayed for some days, it will not affect the team’s spirit,” said Aloo.

Koderobara humbled favourites Ambira 2-0 in the semis to progress to the final. Matutu PAG coach Joseph Ongoro admitted they are the underdogs in the match.

“This is our second appearance at the regional championships. I’m happy that we have reached the final but we are not the favourites,” said Ongoro.

He, however, said his boys can pull a surprise and lift the title even though he will miss three first-team players who were injured during the chaos last Friday.

Ongoro also suffered a dislocated shoulder. “We are not afraid of Koderobara despite the challenges we are currently facing. Being our first time at the regional finals,” added Ongoro.

Ongoro however felt that the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Ministry of Education would have given them time to recover from the injuries they suffered during the Friday chaos.

“They should have pushed the finals to sometime next week because some of my players are still nursing injuries,” Ongoro added.