Ng’iya Girls’ have been stripped of the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association basketball title.
The school was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during the Nyanza region championships at Kisumu School two weeks ago.
Losing finalists Nyakach Girls’ will proceed to next week’s national championships in Machakos, according to Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza region secretary, Tom Odhiambo.
“It’s true Nyakach will represent Nyanza at the nationals. The case was handled at the Regional Director of Education’s office in Kisumu so I don’t have more details,” said Odhiambo.
During the regional finals, Ng’iya Girls’, coached by Naftali Ambala, overcame Nyakach Girls 44-41.
Nyakach Girls’ immediately appealed against the win but it was dismissed. They re-appealed at RDE’s office and the verdict was delivered on Wednesday evening.
Nyakach were thrown into celebrations when the news of the verdict reached the school.
Coach Kevin Otuoma said: “We welcome the decision. We are ready to represent Nyanza at the nationals. We did not stop training after the regional final because we believed we had a genuine case against Ng’iya. The girls didn’t go home when the school closed for the April holidays.”
“I know we are in a tough group but I’m confident we will top the group. I’m not afraid of defending champions Butere Girls’. We played them early this year and lost by three baskets. We have improved since. Our aim is to reach the final,” said Otuoma, whose team is making its debut at the national games.
They harbour ambitions of playing at the East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Championships in Uganda. The regional showpiece will be staged at Amus College in August.
Nyakach, a co-curricular and academic powerhouse under the tutelage of chief principal Millicent Odhiambo, are in Pool ‘A’ alongside Butere Girls’, MPesa Foundation Academy and Buruburu Girls’ from Nairobi.
Former champions Kaya Tiwi headline Pool ‘B’. They battle Nasokol Girls’, Ikutha Girls’ and North Eastern representatives. The North Eastern Championships started on Thursday in Wajir.
