St Joseph Boys High School, popularly known as JOBO, have taken the 2025 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) term two games by storm and now stands just one step away from clinching their first-ever national football title.
The Rift Valley heavyweights delivered a commanding performance in the semi-finals, thrashing Nyanza’s newcomers Agai Mixed Secondary School 3-0 in a one-sided encounter in Kakamega County. The victory saw JOBO cruise into the finals, where they will face Western giants Musingu High School in what promises to be a blockbuster finale.
Leading JOBO’s charge was none other than their sensational striker, Instin Simiyu, whose goal-scoring spree continued as he netted his seventh goal of the tournament. He was joined on the scoresheet by the equally impressive Collins Mwalati and midfield general Shadrack Kiboi, whose strike sealed the emphatic win.
JOBO’s rise to the top has captured the imagination of fans across the country. After years of playing in the shadows of football powerhouses like St Anthony’s Kitale, the Cosmas Nabungolo’s boys have come of age. Notably, they earned their national ticket by knocking out the former East Africa champions for two consecutive years at the regional level, a feat that signals their intent.
Their opponents in the final, Musingu High School, will be equally motivated. The Scorpions, as they are fondly called, ended Highway Secondary School’s title defence with a thrilling 3-2 win in the other semi-final. For Musingu, it has been a 41-year wait for national football glory, but JOBO stand firmly in their path.
The stage is now set for a historic showdown between two teams hungry for a national crown. While Musingu will be banking on their home region, JOBO will aim to etch their name in school football folklore by lifting the title in only their second-ever appearance at the nationals.
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In the girls’ football category, defending champions Butere Girls High School will face Madira Girls in the final. Butere stormed into the finals with a 3-0 win over Kobala Secondary, while Madira stunned Rift Valley’s Nasokol Girls 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final.
In girls’ volleyball, Kwanthanze Secondary School proved their dominance once again after sweeping aside Soweto Secondary School 3-0 in a commanding semi-final performance. The defending champions were clinical, dispatching their opponents in straight sets to book a ticket to yet another national final.
Awaiting them in the final is none other than their perennial rivals, Kesogon Mixed Secondary School, who battled past Bishop Sulumeti with a hard-fought 3-0 (31-29, 25-23, 25-20) win. The match was a tightly contested affair, but Kesogon’s composure in crucial moments proved decisive.
Tomorrow’s final will be a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s showdown held in Kisii County, where Kwanthanze crushed Kesogon 3-2 to lift the title. Both teams have remained unbeaten in the tournament, setting the stage for a high-octane clash that will likely rekindle their fierce rivalry.
Meanwhile, in the boys’ category, defending champions Cheptil High School enhanced their chances of retaining the title after breezing past Mwaluphamba Secondary School in straight sets (25-19, 25-16, 25-19). Cheptil looked sharp and confident throughout the encounter, with precise serves and solid blocks.
Their final opponents will be Malava Boys, who overcame a spirited fight from Gogo Secondary School to win 3-1 (25-18, 19-25, 25-16, 25-14). Malava had to dig deep after dropping the second set but showed resilience to close out the match strongly.
The boys’ final between Cheptil and Malava rekindles yet another long-standing rivalry. Cheptil will be aiming to defend their crown, while Malava known for their passionate support and deep talent will be hoping to upset the holders and reclaim national glory.
By our reporter
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