Agoro Sare lands tough draw for national schools Term one games

Newly crowned Nyanza region boys’ basketball champions Agoro Sare have landed a tough draw for the nationals to be held in Machakos.

The nationals will be held from April 6- 14 at various venues in Machakos town. 

Agoro Sare, coached by Paul Odok and Benson Ochieng, will battle it out with Coast Region’s Dr. Aggrey, Pioneer School from Central and Western region giants Sigalame in Pool ‘B’.

Pool ‘A’ will have Lukenya School, Dagoretti High, Rift Valley representatives and North Eastern representatives.

The Rift Valley championships are ongoing at Kapsabet Boys while the North Eastern games will be staged in Wajir on April 4-5, according to Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) North Eastern region secretary Bishar Bontore.

Odok admitted that they are in the group of death and will have to rise to the occasion.

“It is a tough group but as the Nyanza champions, we want to go to Machakos not just to represent Nyanza but to compete,” said Odok.

He cited Dr Aggrey as the favourite in the group. “We are underdogs and our strategy is to take one game at a time. Our target is to play in the finals. I know it will not be easy but we have what it takes. The competition in Nyanza was tough and helped toughen the boys ahead of nationals,” said Odok.

Inspired by the competition’s Most Valuable Player Robert Otieno, Agoro Sare reclaimed the Nyanza region title after beating archrivals Maseno School 51-44 in a final played at Kisumu School on Saturday.

In the semi-finals,  Agoro Sare enjoying the support of their chief principal Isaac Okeyo overcame Ototo Mixed 74-22 while Maseno School dumped out champions Onjiko School after a 50-45 win.

“We have been the most consistent team in Nyanza region having played in seven consecutive finals. Reclaiming the regional title was a huge relief,” said Odok.

The last time Agoro Sare was at the nationals was in 2013 when they finished third. “We want to try and improve this time. The task ahead is tough but I have confidence in the boys,” said Odok.