Both Kisumu Day and Ng’iya Girls have been crowned Nyanza regional hockey champions after the conclusion of the gruelling Term One Secondary School Games at Maseno School.
Kisumu Day lifted the boys’ title with a strong run, marking their return to the top after missing out in recent seasons.
The Kisumu city side last won the regional crown in 2022 and will now represent the region at the national championships set for early next month in Kisumu County.
In the semi-finals, they beat Ambira Boys 3-0 before sealing the title with a 2-0 victory against rivals Ringa Boys in the final.
The win was a measure of redemption for Kisumu Day, who had lost 1-0 to Ringa Boys in the 2024 regional finals.
The team also failed to reach last year’s regional stage after a county-level defeat to Maseno School, making this year’s performance a clear atonement.
Head coach Booker Odhiambo said the squad had shown consistency and maturity throughout the competition.
He said they currently have the best team they have had in the last five years.
‘The players have been disciplined and focused, and that is what has made the difference,” he said.
Odhiambo said the team is now focused on the national championships.
He said it has been two difficult years for them after missing out on nationals.
‘This title is important, but we are now looking ahead. We must be clinical if we want to compete at the next level,” he added.
Ng’iya Girls retained their regional title in the girls’ category.
They beat Nyamira Girls 1-0 in the finals to retain the regional title.
Their victory ensures they will once again represent the region at the national games.
In basketball, Agoro Sare National School defended its boys’ title after edging St. Mary’s Yala 60-58.
Head coach Paul Odock said his players showed composure under pressure.
“It was a tough game, and Yala pushed us to the limit. The boys stayed calm and executed what we had planned. That is what helped us win,” he said.
He said the team’s preparation had focused on discipline and teamwork.
“We have worked on building a strong unit and improving decision-making in key moments. These are the games that test character, and the players responded well,” he added.
In the Western Region, Bungoma High School were crowned rugby 15s champions after beating Kakamega High School 12-7 in the final at Chavakali National School.
The match was closely contested, with Bungoma High holding off a late challenge to secure the win and book their place at the national championships.
School principal Wycliffe Wasike said the team is targeting national success.
“We last won the national title ten years ago, and we believe this team has what it takes to do it again,” he said.
Head coach Titus Wangila said the team is aiming for more than just participation.
“We are going to nationals to compete. The players are ready, and we believe we can challenge for the title,” he said.
Western Region Secondary Schools Sports Association chairman Martin Waswa said new measures had been introduced to improve fairness in school competitions.
“We have used technology to verify players and reduce cases of cheating. It is important that only eligible students take part,” he said.
Nyanza Region Champions
| Category | Boys Winner | County | Girls Winner | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hockey | Kisumu Day | Kisumu | Ng’iya Girls | Siaya |
| Rugby | Yala | Siaya | Sigoti | Kisumu |
| Basketball | Agoro Sare | Homa Bay | Asumbi | Homa Bay |
| Handball | Yala | Siaya | Nyakach | Kisumu |
By Fredick Odiero
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