- Samson Otwere has urged parents to keep children engaged in constructive activities during the August holiday to prevent idleness.
- The Albert Ombiri Cup has attracted 53 teams from four constituencies competing on a league basis.
Mariwa Secondary School Principal and soccer coach Samson Otwere has urged parents to keep their children engaged in constructive activities during the August holiday instead of leaving them idle at home.
Speaking at Kenyenya Stadium during the launch of the Albert Ombiri Cup, Mr. Otwere said adolescents are energetic and that their energy can become destructive if not properly harnessed, warning that idleness during school breaks often leads young people into drug abuse, crime and other vices.
He called on parents and teachers to direct youth energy positively by encouraging them to join local soccer and volleyball clubs, where they can nurture talent outside routine class work, noting that sports provide a healthy outlet and offer opportunities for interaction, skill development and community representation.
“The holidays are meant for a break from class work but without forgetting it. Our youths should also engage in physical work like tilling the garden, playing soccer and cleaning public places such as markets and churches,” he said.
Mr. Otwere said sporting activities are key in shaping young people, noting that regular play improves physical and mental health, builds discipline, and teaches teamwork, resilience and leadership. He added that for many students, local clubs have become a pathway to talent development, with some securing scholarships and chances to compete at higher levels, and that sports also keep youth busy and away from negative peer influence during the long holiday.
He appealed to parents not to view sports as a distraction from academics, proposing a balance where children do household chores in the morning, attend training in the afternoon, and revise in the evening. He also urged community leaders and churches to support youth clubs with equipment and coaching, saying that investing in sports today is investing in responsible citizens tomorrow.
The Albert Ombiri Cup is aimed at sensitising the youth against drug abuse, encouraging them to be ambassadors of their villages, and promoting good citizenship with a focus on career guidance.
ALSO READ:
Moi Girls Kamusinga face tough test in FEASSA handball title defence
Kenyenya Stadium Chairman Joel Omare welcomed the sponsorship, saying the tournament has attracted 53 teams from the four constituencies. The teams will compete on a league basis, with the best performers to be rewarded in December with game kits, balls and cash to help them develop their talent.
He commended the teams for their discipline and expressed optimism about the tournament’s success, saying the level of play witnessed was the highest he has seen since he began managing Kenyenya field three decades ago.
In matches officiated by Kisii Branch Kenya Football Federation (KFF) officials led by Nathan Onyambu, teams from Kenyenya Bodaboda, Maiga Five Stars, KCU and St. Peters played competitive games that drew thousands of soccer fans. The event also featured a match between visiting team Lowland Starlets and hosts Kerongorori Secondary School Starlets.
ALSO READ: Education funding: Stop calling it reforms when parents are being asked to pay for failure
Kerongorori Starlets coach Dominic Isinta said he will use the season to prepare his team early for next year’s secondary schools sports competitions.
Tournament organisers led by Geoffrey Ntegeri said fixtures will continue this week on a ward rotational basis, with games starting in Magenche on Tuesday before proceeding to Bomamba, Borabu and Boochi in the following days. Mr. Ntegeri encouraged female youths to register teams so they can compete alongside their male counterparts in the tournament.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
