Koderobara now eyes national trophy after conquering Nyanza

After bagging the Nyanza Secondary Schools boys’ football title, Koderobara have now turned their focus on national glory.

Koderobara on Wednesday edged Matutu PAG 2-1 in the delayed Nyanza regional final at Moi Stadium, Kisumu City to lift their maiden national trophy.

Gerald Gadson opened the scores for Koderobara in the 13th minute before Felix Casilas doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Captain Tony Oloo pulled one back for Matutu PAG in the 75th minute through a penalty awarded after Dominic Maragia was brought down in the box.

James Ong’esa would have equalised for Matutu PAG in the 85th minute but he spurned the chance with only Koderobara goalkeeper Oswald Carolly to beat. 

The game was supposed to be played in Kisii on Saturday but was postponed after Agoro Sare appealed against Matutu for allegedly fielding an ineligible player but the case was dismissed.

The game was also abandoned in the 75th minute due to crowd trouble.

On Wednesday, Koderobara coach Moses Otieno said: “Today has been a wonderful day. This is a journey that started a long time ago. The boys were ready for the final and I want to appreciate this far we have come.” 

Otieno sent a warning to their opponents ahead of the nationals set for July 29 to August 7 in Kisii.

“We are going to prepare adequately and we want to send a strong message to our opponents. They should come prepared to face us because our target is to return the trophy to the Nyanza region,” said Otieno.

Matutu PAG captain Tony Oloo expressed his disappointment following the loss.

“We played well and created chances, especially in the second half but we did not convert them. It’s disappointing but looking at where we have come, reaching the final is an achievement,” he said.

The Shabana FC target added: “We made our debut last year when we were eliminated in the preliminaries. This year, we reached the final and lost narrowly. We now focus on next year’s event. I’m very confident we will lift the trophy."

On his potential move to FKF Premier League side Shabana, Oloo said: “I’m flattered to be linked to a Premier League club. However, at the moment, there is nothing concrete,” said the towering centre-back.

Nyanza Regional deputy director of education in charge of co-curricular activities, Ebbie Kegode was the chief guest.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) led by the chairman Otieno Oloo, Tom Onsongo (treasurer), Tom Odhiambo (secretary) and Siaya County chairman Ngla Mbuor also graced the game.