Action between Cardinal Otunga High School (in brown) and Friends School, Anjego/ANGWENYI GICHANA
Tournament favourites Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho, are set to lock horns with Chianda on Friday as the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association Term Two Games enter the crucial quarter-final stage at Homa Bay School.
Cardinal Otunga advanced to the last eight in dominant fashion, thrashing compatriots Bong’onta 27-5 in their opening game before sealing their group-stage campaign with a comfortable 19-5 victory over a highly fancied Friends School Anjego.
Cardinal Otunga coach Edwin Metobo expressed confidence ahead of the knockout clash. “So far, so good. We have played two games and won," Metobo said. "Our focus now is on the game against Chianda. It will not be an easy game, but we are determined to win.”
Chianda, who booked their quarter-final spot after fighting out a 7-7 draw against Ambira High School in their final group match, are well aware of the challenge ahead. Chianda coach Nelson Oromo noted that neutralising their opponents' physical threat will be key to an upset. “I have watched Cardinal Otunga play; they are a good side and they have good ball carriers," Oromo said. "We need to stop them from playing the ball. That’s our game plan.”
In the other boys' quarter-final matchups, four-time Migori County champions Friends School Anjego will look to bounce back when they take on Ambira High School, while Homa Bay champions Gendia High are scheduled to battle Nyambari School.
Meanwhile, fireworks are expected in the final boys' fixture, which features a local Kisumu County derby between Nyabondo High and Otieno Oyoo. The match is a highly anticipated repeat of the Kisumu County final, where Nyabondo narrowly edged out Otieno Oyoo 12-5.
Nyabondo coach Dorkins Ochieng anticipates another tight, tactical battle but remains confident in his squad's chemistry. “We are ready to face them," Ochieng said. "These are boys who have known each other for a long time, and they play in the same clubs in Kisumu. Individual brilliance and teamwork will win us the game.”
In the girls’ category, defending Nyanza region 7s and 15s rugby champions Sigoti Complex from Kisumu County will look to assert their dominance when they take the field against Nyakongo High. In the remaining girls' quarter-finals, last year’s semi-finalists Nyagichenche Mixed Senior School will face Sindo, Asumbi Girls will play Rangenyo Girls, and Sidindi will square off against Moi Suba Girls.
