Kisii High St Mary’s Yala claim Nyanza Region rugby title

Kisii School has reclaimed its crown as the Nyanza Region rugby champions after edging St. Mary’s Yala from Siaya 3-0 in the just-concluded KSSSA Term One Games held in Migori County.

The annual rotational event, which moved from Nyamira County last year, brought together top teams from across the region to compete in rugby (boys), hockey, handball, basketball (both boys and girls), and athletics. Rapogi and St Pius Uriri High Schools hosted various sporting events.

The thrilling rugby final saw St. Mary’s Yala start strong, dominating the first half and earning two penalties — but they failed to convert either into points. Kisii School, too, earned two penalties but couldn’t capitalize on them.

The turning point came in the second half when Matangi, Kisii School’s star player and the match’s Most Valuable Player, sealed victory with a decisive penalty. Kisii fans erupted in celebration while their Yala counterparts were left stunned.

Kisii School’s head coach, Lee Aston, expressed his delight at the team’s performance.

“We expected a tough match because we know their strength, but we prepared with determination, and our hopes have become a reality,” Aston said.

He added that the intense game highlighted areas for improvement, which they’ll refine ahead of the national championships in Mombasa.

Ringa retained its title in boys’ hockey after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mbita. Ringa’s head coach, Tolbert Kannah, credited the victory to faith, resilience, and discipline.

“Even after trailing, we never lost hope. Our determination always propels us forward,” Kannah said.

In the girls’ hockey category, Ng’iya from Siaya emerged as the new regional champions after narrowly defeating Nyamira 1-0, thanks to a brilliant performance by Mercy Rebecca, whose confident and skilful play secured the win. Ng’iya’s victory means that Nyamira, the former East African hockey queens, will miss out on this year’s nationals.

Asumbi Girls from Homa Bay claimed the basketball title after beating Ng’iya 48-40. Defending champions Nyakach from Kisumu failed to make it past the semi-finals. Notably, Nyakach won last year’s title after Ng’iya was disqualified for unfair play.

In boys’ handball, Manyatta from Migori narrowly defended their title after a nail-biting 16-15 victory over Maseno from Kisumu. Kadika Girls from Migori will represent the Nyanza Region in girls’ handball after overpowering Nyamira from Kisumu 22-13.

Nyanza Region KSSSA Secretary Tom Odhimbo congratulated the winning teams and praised their discipline.

“All teams showed great spirit, but only the best could be crowned champions,” he said.

Flanked by KSSSA Chairman Otieno Oloo, Odhimbo urged the teams heading to the nationals to uphold sportsmanship and reminded them that sports offer unique academic and social networking opportunities among students and teachers.

Best of luck to all teams representing Nyanza at the upcoming national KESSA championship at the Coast!

Nyanza Kesssa Champions Summary

Boys’ Rugby: