- St. Mary’s School Yala are Nyanza Region football champions for the first time in years.
- Coach Kevin Oluoch, a former Thurgem defender, credits veteran mentor Gordon Akoko for shaping his coaching philosophy.
- The Siaya County giants now head to the national championships after a 1-0 final victory over Kisumu Boys.
Success behind St. Mary’s School Yala’s rise to the summit of Nyanza secondary school football is a story of resilience, mentorship and a coach determined to turn potential into silverware.
The Siaya County giants were crowned Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association (NRSSSA) boys’ football champions after edging Kisumu Boys High School 1-0 in a tense final played at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, sealing qualification for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Championships.
At the heart of the triumph is coach Kevin Oluoch, a former Thurgem Secondary School defender whose football journey has come full circle. Once celebrated as one of the finest defenders produced by Thurgem, Oluoch has now established himself as one of the region’s promising school coaches after guiding Yala to regional glory.
The championship victory did not come easily. Yala endured anxious moments after missing a penalty in the final but showed remarkable composure to remain in control of the contest. Despite the pressure and tension that characterized the encounter, the Siaya County side eventually found the breakthrough and defended their lead to the final whistle.
The match also witnessed drama on the touchline when the Kisumu Boys coach was sent off after receiving a red card. However, Yala remained focused on their mission and completed a memorable victory that crowned them the new kings of Nyanza football.
Mentorship That Endures
For Oluoch, the achievement carries special significance because it reflects the lessons he learned under veteran football mentor Gordon Akoko during his playing days at Thurgem Secondary School. Akoko, now the principal of Agai Secondary School, played a major role in shaping Oluoch both as a footballer and a leader.
Their story highlights the enduring impact of mentorship in school sports. While coaches often celebrate trophies and victories, their greatest legacy is seen when former players rise to become successful leaders in their own right. Oluoch’s regional title is one such example.
Agai Secondary School did not feature at the regional championships after being disqualified following an appeal during the county games. Nevertheless, the veteran coach can take pride in seeing one of his former students carry forward the values and football philosophy he helped instill years ag
Redemption and the Road to National
Yala’s triumph also represents a story of redemption. Last year, the school’s campaign ended in heartbreak at the semi-final stage. Rather than dwell on disappointment, the team returned stronger, more organized and more determined.
Throughout the tournament, Yala demonstrated consistency and discipline. Their group-stage meeting against Kisumu Boys had ended in a goalless draw, but when the two teams met again in the final, Oluoch’s charges found the winning formula to secure the regional title.
Meanwhile, Nyakach Girls Secondary School also wrote their own piece of history after defeating Lwak Girls 1-0 to win the Nyanza girls’ football title. The victory finally ended years of frustration for the Kisumu County champions, who had repeatedly dominated county competitions but failed to secure a place at the national championships. Under the guidance of their coach, Nyakach Girls overcame the barrier that had denied them national qualification in previous seasons.
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As St. Mary’s Yala and Nyakach Girls prepare for the national championships in Central Kenya, their journeys stand as powerful reminders that success is built on patience, hard work and belief. For Yala in particular, the regional crown is more than a football trophy—it is the reward for years of perseverance and a testament to the power of mentorship, with Kevin Oluoch now writing his own chapter in Nyanza football history.
By Antony Ogada
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