Friends School Kamusinga basketball team will be hoping to make an impact upon return to the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championships after 13 years in the cold.
Kamusinga defeated their nemesis Sigalame High school 78-55 to win the Western region title at St Peter’s Boys High School, Kakamega County.
Head coach Samuel Makokha could not hide his joy after racking up 23-13, 16-10, 18-16 and 21-16 scores in the respective quarters.
“These guys have been locking us out of the championships for so long but we have managed to come out with victory today. We hope to improve our skills ahead of the national championships,” said Makokha.
In girls’ basketball, Tigoi were 71-63 winners against Butere Girls with head coach Ken Egovwa promising a charged and hardworking team at the finals.
“After today’s victory, we have learnt our lessons and we shall rectify where we think we went wrong to help us compete well at the nationals come next week,” said Egovwa.
In volleyball, Namwela beat Indangalasia 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-12, 25-23) to book the final slot at the nationals. It was sweet revenge for Namwela, who had succumbed 3-1 to Indangalasia during the Pool 'A' preliminary matches.
Head coach Isaac Muresia Nicholas said that they had to change their tactics.
“At the pool stage, they had one player who tormented us but after discovering his strengths, we had to change our model of play to contain him,” said Muresia who hopes to improve on their bronze medal at the nationals in their bid for a ticket to the East Africa School Games.
In girls’ volleyball, little-known Mwitoti surprised Butere Girls when they won the title in sets of 19-25, 25-23, 16-25 and 17-25).
Mwitoti's coach Lawrence Aswani said: “This is our maiden championship from the county and qualifying for the nationals. We now need to up our game to avoid stage fright at the big stage."
Moi Girls’ Kamusinga are the new handball champions following a 25-14 victory over Aboloi in an unbeaten campaign.
“We are back as a school ready to reclaim the national title that was snatched from us in 2019 by Kirandich,” said head coach George Simiyu.
Bukembe Boys and Mwira Girls emerged the football champions.
Bungoma’s Bukembe were 7-6 winners against Ebwali in post-match penalties after a barren draw in normal and extra time.
Mwira were 2-0 winners against Kakamega county mates Nangili Girls with captain Charity Huku scoring and goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo converting from the spot.
Western region teams to nationals
Football: Bukembe Boys (Bungoma), Mwira Girls (Kakamega)
Volleyball: Namwela Boys (Bungoma), St. Marthas Mwitoti Mixed (Kakamega)
Basketball: Kamusinga Boys High (Bungoma), Tigoi Girls (Vihiga)
Rugby 7s: Koyonzo High (Kakamega)
Handball: Toroso Boys Secondary (Bungoma), Kamusinga Girls (Bungoma)
Netball: Bumala Secondary (Busia)
Hockey: Friends School Kamusinga (Bungoma), Moi Girls Kamusinga (Bungoma)
