Hosts Siaya bag football title as Kattiso Lake Region games conclude

Hosts Siaya upset favourites Kisii National Polytechnic 5-4 on post-match penalties to lift the Lake Region Kenya Technical Training Institutes Sports Organisation (Kattiso) men’s football title.

Enjoying the support of hundreds of local fans, Siaya dominated possession but couldn't get the breakthrough in the tension-packed decider.

Kisii equally got their chances but did not utilise them, sending the match into a dramatic penalty shootout.

Enroute to the finals, Siaya beat minnows Riragia 3-2 on post-match penalties after the teams battled to a barren draw while Kisii beat Seme 2-1.

Siaya captain Joseph Juma said: “It was a tough final but we were prepared, right from the first game. We want to train hard ahead of the nationals in our quest to return the trophy to the Nyanza region.”

In the women’s category, Mawego overcame Ugenya 4-2 on post match penalties after a barren draw in regulation time. 

Mawego beat Kitutu Masaba 2-1 in the semis while Ugenya beat Uriri 3-2 on post match penalties after the teams drew 0-0 at regular time.

Both finalists proceed for the nationals to be held at Eldoret National Polytechnic from June 19 to 22.

Siaya County Deputy Director of Education Kennedy Machora was the chief guest.

He said: "Over the last four days, we have witnessed thrilling competition and outstanding games. Carry the Nyanza flag high at the nationals." 

Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes (KATTI) Sports and Recreation chairman John Owoko challenged Ugenya and Kisii to go for the football title.

“Our teams played in the finals in the last edition. We want the title to remain in Nyanza,” said Owoko.

Owoko and KATTI chairman Daniel Randa warned participating institutions against fielding non-students during the games.

“From now on, we shall only allow bonafide students with national identity cards and school identity cards. The use of police abstracts is disallowed henceforth because of misuse,” said Owoko.

“The fielding of non-students in our games must stop forthwith. I’m directing organisers and technical officials to thoroughly screen all the players and those found guilty be disqualified. This is a students’ affair. If you want to play in TVET games, join the institutions,” added Randa, the Ugenya Technical Training Institute princial.

The teams will proceed to the East Africa Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) championships upon the conclusion of Kattiso Season Three in August, revealed Owoko.