- Takaba Mixed Day Senior School became the first team from the North Eastern Region to win a match at the KSSSA National Games.
- The historic 7-1 victory over Baricho High School revived the school’s hopes of reaching the FEASSSA Games.
- School leaders and players hailed the achievement as a major milestone for the region’s sporting history.
Takaba Mixed Day Senior School from the North Eastern Region etched its name into the history books after registering the region’s first-ever victory at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two National Games currently taking place at the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.
The remarkable achievement came after Takaba thrashed Baricho High School from the Central Region 7-1 in a one-sided boys’ football encounter, marking a major milestone not only for the school but also for the entire North Eastern Region.
Since the inception of the KSSSA National Games, no school from the North Eastern Region had ever won a match in any discipline. Even more remarkable is the fact that Takaba Mixed Day Senior School had never previously progressed beyond the sub-county level before beginning its historic journey this season.
Yahyah Majid opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Abdi Majid struck three times in the 51st, 55th and 60th minutes to put the match beyond reach. Ismail Edin added the fifth goal in the 63rd minute, Ali Noor netted the sixth in the 83rd minute, while captain Abdi Karim Alow, popularly known as “Aminkey”, completed the scoring in the 86th minute. Baricho High School managed a consolation goal through Alex Jomba in the 90th minute.
Takaba Senior Principal Abdikhalif Hassan Ibrahim hailed the players, the technical bench and the fans for their unwavering support, describing the victory as the greatest achievement in the school’s sporting history.
“We have never delivered such results before. This is a milestone not only for our school but for the entire North Eastern Region. I appreciate our players, coaches and supporters for believing in the team,” he said.
The principal expressed confidence that the team has the quality to progress even further and possibly qualify for the FEASSSA Games.
He noted that the opening 3-0 defeat to Kakamega High School had affected the players psychologically after conceding in the opening minute but praised them for showing resilience to bounce back.
Team eyes FEASSSA qualification
Head coach Noah Thuranira Ngeera attributed the victory to patience and commitment, saying it had taken three years to rebuild the team into national contenders.
“I thank the players for believing in the process and for executing our game plan. I also sincerely appreciate our Senior Principal for the immense support he has given the team throughout our journey,” said Ngeera.
Captain Abdi Karim Alow said the players had gained confidence after the historic win and promised to fight for more victories.
“We now believe in ourselves. We thank our principal for standing with us and motivating us throughout the competition,” said the captain.
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Following the victory, Takaba moved into second place in the standings with three points and a goal tally of seven, ahead of Tumaini Secondary School from Eastern, who also have three points but have scored six goals. Former champions Kakamega High School lead the table with six points after two wins, while Baricho remain without a point.
By Abdile Kofa
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