Barding seek revenge against Kisumu Day as Nyanza games start

Nyanza secondary schools boys’ football champions Kisumu Day will square it out with former champions Barding when the regional Term Two games get underway in Homa Bay Thursday afternoon.

Kisumu Day games teacher Booker Odhiambo said his team is ready to defend the title they won in 2019 but face a tricky tie against former East Africa champions Barding in their opening match at Asumbi Teachers Training College.

In the second Pool ‘A’ game, Kisumu Day will battle it out with Migori’s Kanga High School.

In Pool ‘B’, Agoro Sare will open their campaign against debutants and Kisii County champions Gesabakwa. In the second match, Gesabakwa has been pitted against Gekendo from Nyamira in a 'Gusii derby'.

Gesabakwa coach Cliff Ogaro said they want to restore Kisii's glory.

“We want to emulate Itierio Boys, Kisii School and St Mark’s Mokorogoinwa, who represented Nyanza at the national championships,” said Ogaro adding that the current team players have been together for about three years.

In girls’ fooball, little-known debutants Kerongorori face a tough task against regulars Kobala in the opening match in Pool 'A'. In the second, Kobala will take on Nyamira champions Gekomoni.

In Pool ‘B’, Jera will be out to reclaim their title as they open their championship against holders Nyakach Girls in what is expected to be an explosive encounter. Nyakach will battle it out with debutants St Paul’s Agenga from Migori in the second game.

Agoro Sare basketball coach Paul Odock expects an easy rise in the group stage where they will face debutants Ekenyoro from Nyamira and Maranda School in Pool 'A'.

“The real competition starts at the semi-finals. I’m confident we shall retain our title,” said Odok.

Pool 'B' has four-time Kisii County champions Nyanchwa Boys, debutants Onjiko and Migori Boys.

In the girls' category, Kisii County’s St Angela Sengera will make their regional bow against fellow debutants Ekenyoro from Nyamira in the opening Pool ‘A’ game. In the second, Ekenyoro will play Kisumu County’s Katolo, who are also making their debut.  

In Pool ‘B’, defending champions Bar Chando Girls start their title defence against Homa Bay Queens Ototo before playing Tuk Jowi in the second. 

In the absence of Sengera SDA and Mogonga PAG, a new champion is expected in boys’ volleyball. In Pool ‘A’, debutants St Paul’s Gekano open their title hunt against Riokindo Boys from Kisii. Gekano will conclude group stage matches against St Joseph’s from Kisumu.

Riokindo coach Richard Areba said: “Our target is to bring the volleyball trophy to Kisii.”

In Pool ‘B’, Migori’s Sagegi, Godbura and Barding from Siaya will battle for the two places in the semi-finals. In the girls' category, Kameji Mixed, Kandiege and Kisii County’s Nyakembene are in Pool ‘A’ while Pool 'B' has defending champions Nyakach Girls, Nyakongo and Motagara from Nyamira.

The rugby 7’s draw will be done at the venue with usual suspects St Mary’s Yala, Maseno School, Agoro Sare and Nduru Boys expected to lock horns.

Handball Boys; Pool ‘A’ Ndonyo Mixed, Nyamanga and Maseno School.

Pool ‘B’ Rang’ala, Manyatta and St Paul’s Gekano High.

Handball Girls; Pool ‘A’ Masosa, Guu and Miranga.

Pool ‘B’ Ndonyo Mixed, Nyamira Girls and Kakrao Mixed.

Netball; Pool ‘A’ Rirumi, Nyakach Girls and St Peters’ Keberesi.

Pool ‘B’ Kobala, Oyugi Ogango and Obambo

Hockey Boys; Pool ‘A’ Ringa Boys and Pe-Hill,

Pool ‘B’ Kisumu Day, St Mary’s Yala and Nduru Boys.

Hockey girls; Pool ‘A’ Andingo and St Paul’s Agenga,

Pool ‘B’ Nyamira Girls, Sinyolo and Amaiko SDA.