St. Mary's School Yala, are yearning for their inaugural Nyanza Secondary School boys' volleyball title.
Yala, under the tutelage of experienced coach Alphonse Ogema, will make their debut at the Nyanza region Term Two Games at Kisumu Boys from July 8-12.
Yala are in Pool 'A' alongside Kisumu County champions Onjiko School, Etono from Nyamira, and Kanyawanga. Migori County champions Masara are in Pool 'B', alongside Gogo, Mobamba, and Otieno Oyoo from Kisumu.
On Thursday, Ogema, who previously led Nyakongo Girls for the national championships and Ogande Girls for the regionals, is eager to write history with Yala.
"This time, I hope all teams will field genuine students. If that will be the case, Yala will play in the finals and lift the title," said Ogema.
He added, "I have a good team that has engaged in several friendly matches against schools and clubs. They are raring to go."
He tipped the team to dominate the Nyanza region volleyball.
"I only have one student who is in form four. The rest will be there in the next two years," vowed the tactician.
New champions will be crowned after last year's winners, Nyabondo Boys, were banned for fielding ineligible players during last year's national games.
In the girls' category, defending champions Nyakongo Girls have been grouped in the pool of death. They will face Nyakach Girls, newly crowned Nyamira County Champions, Riooga Secondary, and Hema Chitago.
New Siaya champions and favourites Aluor are in pool "A" where they will battle it out with regular campaigners Kameji Mixed, Asumbi Girls, and Koru Girls from Kisumu.
On Thursday, Riooga Secondary principal Haron Onchong'a vowed to cause upsets. Onchong'a previously led Mogonga PAG to national glory.
"We face an uphill task in 5he group of death. We are underdogs, but we are ready to fight for the title," remarked Onchong'a.
He added: "We have been training throughout since the county championships. I believe the girls are ready for the regional championship."
