St Mary’s School, Yala, is renowned for rugby 7s and 15s.
However, the Siaya county school will this year see its football team return to the Nyanza regional Term Two championships in Kisumu from July 8 to 12.
Yala, captained by Herman Ochieng’, overcame archrivals Ambira High School 1-0 to lift the Siaya title, with Jeckonia Ogutu scoring the all-important goal.
It was a repeat of last year’s final, where Ambira won by an identical score.
Under the leadership of Chief Principal V.O Makanda, Yala, famously known as the Black Saints, will also send the boys’ rugby 7s, boys’ volleyball and basketball 3x3 teams.
Coach Calvin Oyando said they are now targeting the regional and national titles.
“We are not only thinking about winning our maiden regional title, but the national title too. We have a young and talented team that is ready to face any team,” said Oyando.
“We are among the favourites at the regionals. I have watched most of the teams that have qualified. We are the same somehow, but we are tactically and technically better.”
Makanda led hitherto unknown Barding High School to Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association glory in 2016 in Eldoret. Barding beat Uganda giants St Mary’s Kitende 1-0 in the final.
While Makanda was at powerhouse St Anthony’s Kitale, the school bagged the 2018 Copa Coca Cola Africa U16 title.
Oyando and fellow coach, the experienced Kelvin Oluoch, believe they can replicate the heroics under Makanda.
“Our Chief Principal has previously won titles elsewhere, and that will be replicated at Yala. He has given us all the necessary support,” said Oyando.
The players have played together for the past three years.
“This is a team we scouted when they were in class eight. They have now matured and are ready to face their opponents at the regional level,” said Oyando.
Other teams expected are Friends School Anjego and St Joseph’s Rapogi (Migori), Sameta High (Kisii), Gekendo Mixed (Nyamira) and Karabok (Homa Bay).
Kisumu are embroiled in a case at the Sports Disputes Tribunal, filed by Kisumu Boys, and will only name their representatives at its determination.
