Former champions Karabok eager to reclaim Nyanza region football title

Karabok players during the Homa Bay county championships /ANGWENYI GICHANA

The 2009 Nyanza region secondary schools boys’ football champions, Karabok Mixed, are eager to reclaim their title at the Term Two games in Kisumu on July 8 and 12.

Karabok overcame former champions Ringa Boys 6-5 on post-match penalties at the Homa Bay county championships at Mbita High School. The teams had drawn 1-1 in regulation time.

At the sub-county finals, Karabok edged former regional champions Agoro Sare High 2-1.

“Beating Agoro Sare and Ringa Boys was not a mean feat. This demonstrated that we are ready to challenge for the regional title once more,” said Otieno.

“We are going to Kisumu to try and win the regional title. I know it will not be easy, but we shall give our best. We have prepared for. We have built this team for four years.”

 “It will be a tough championship since all the qualified teams are strong,” added Otieno.

Debutants Friends School Anjego and St Joseph’s Rapogi (Migori), St Mary’s School Yala (Siaya), Sameta Boys (Kisii), and Gekendo Mixed (Nyamira) stand in Karabok's path.

Gekendo’s participation at the games is, however, under threat after former champions Matutu PAG moved to court to challenge the decision to disqualify them from participating at the Nyamira county finals for fielding an ineligible player.

A Keroka court issued an injunction barring Nyamira County from presenting a team for the regionals, whose draw will be done this morning.

Kisumu County’s representatives will be known later, with the Ministry of Education expected to decide on the disputed semi-finals.

Kisumu Boys moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal, claiming Onjiko fielded ineligible players in their semifinal loss.