Sameta Boys celebrate after lifting the Kisii County boys' football title/ANGWENYI GICHANA
Sameta Boys Senior School and debutants St Cyprian Biticha have warned rivals against underrating them ahead of the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association boys’ football championships set for July 7–11 at Homa Bay Senior School.
Biticha, who are the Nyamira County champions, will make their first appearance at the regional championships, while Sameta Boys are targeting a stronger campaign in their second attempt at the title.
The two sides tested their preparations in a friendly encounter dubbed the ‘Gusii Derby’ on Sunday at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho, where they settled for a 2-2 draw.
Biticha coach Eric Mokaya said the team is determined to make a strong impression on their regional debut despite being viewed as underdogs. Biticha have been drawn in Pool A alongside former champions Koderobara and Homa Bay side Gendia.
“We are underdogs in the group, but we can pull surprises. Our group is balanced, and we can progress to the semi-finals from there. We have played Gendia before, so it’s a team we know,” said Mokaya.
He added that the introduction of online player registration has helped create fairness in school competitions. “The introduction of the online registration of players has ensured that the fielding of ineligible players is minimised. All teams are now on a level playing field,” he said.
Mokaya revealed that the team’s ambition is to reach the final and possibly win the regional crown. “We want to become the second team from Nyamira to win the Nyanza trophy after Gekomoni Mixed. We are ready for any team,” he added.
Biticha will begin their campaign against Gendia High School, while Maseno School face Koderobara in the other Pool A fixture.
Meanwhile, Sameta Boys face the difficult challenge of reviving Kisii County’s football dominance at the regional level. Schools from the county that have previously lifted the Nyanza title include Kisii School, Itierio Boys, St Mark’s Mokorogoinwa and Moi High School Gesusu.
Sameta Games Master Justus Mauti admitted his side faces a difficult assignment after being placed in what many consider the tournament’s toughest group. Pool B features Homa Bay champions Ringa Boys, favourites St Mary's School Yala and defending champions Agai Mixed.
“We are in a tough group, but we are equal to the task. We have prepared well, and I believe by next week we shall be ready. A few players are nursing injuries, but I hope they will recover by then,” said Mauti.
“It is our dream to lift the regional trophy on our second attempt. Schools from Kisii County have won it before, and I believe we have what it takes,” he added.
