Nicodemus Obama (in blue) of Friends School Anjego in action against Bong'onta/ANGWENYI GICHANA
Rugby Sevens favourites Friends School Anjego and Nyabondo High began their quest for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza region Term Two games with commanding victories as the competition got underway at Homa Bay School on Wednesday.
Anjego, one of the pre-tournament favourites, thrashed debutants Bong’onta 41-0 in their opening match, while Kisumu County champions Nyabondo defeated Kanga High 19-0 to make a winning start.
Anjego coach Dan Otieno praised his players for a disciplined display but urged them to remain focused on the bigger objective. “Our focus is to play in the final and qualify for the national championships. We are taking one game at a time,” said Otieno.
Nyabondo coach Gerald Owenga shifted his attention to Thursday’s clash against Nyambaria, insisting his side is determined to lift the regional crown. “We are now focusing on our game against Nyambaria on Thursday. Our target is to win the regional trophy,” he said.
In the boys’ competition, Siaya’s Chianda and Ratanga shared the spoils in a 12-12 draw, while Homa Bay champions Gendia edged St Kizito Nyansiongo 15-5.
In the girls’ Rugby Sevens competition, defending champions Sigoti Complex and last year’s runners-up Nyagichenche made emphatic statements with convincing opening victories.
Sigoti overwhelmed Sindo Girls 43-0, while Nyagichenche defeated Nyakongo 24-4. Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango admitted his team started slowly but was pleased with the result.
“It was the start I expected, but I’m satisfied with the win. We had a slow start, and I expect the girls to improve in the coming matches,” he said.
The coach reiterated his team’s ambitions, adding: “As I said earlier, we are here to win this trophy.” Sidindi also opened with a convincing 26-5 victory over Rangenyo Girls, while Moi Suba edged Nyabisase 17-12 in a closely contested encounter.
In boys’ football, debutants St Cyprian Biticha held Gendia to a goalless draw at Raila Odinga Stadium. The match between Maseno School and former champions Koderobara was abandoned in the second half at Homa Bay High School due to security concerns, with Maseno leading 1-0.
Maseno School Director of Games Caleb Olang’o said the team was awaiting the organisers’ decision. “We don’t know the fate of the game. We are waiting for communication from the regional office,” he said.
Elsewhere, Kisumu Boys upset Sameta Boys 1-0 at Lala School Grounds. In girls’ volleyball, last year’s runners-up Aluor Girls defeated former champions Nyakach Girls in straight sets, winning 25-11, 25-17, 25-22. “It was a good win. We wanted a positive start, and I’m happy with the performance,” said Aluor coach John Duro.
In girls’ football, debutants St Mary’s Magina announced their arrival in style with a convincing 5-1 victory over Mombamba of Kisii County.
