Kakamega High, Yala set up blockbuster KSSSA boys’ football final

Kakamega High in action with St. Philip's Baricho/ANGWENYI GICHANA 

Kakamega High School and St Mary’s School Yala will face off in the boys’ football final of the ongoing KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two Games after winning their respective semi-finals on Wednesday at the MPesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.

Kakamega High edged Menengai High School 2-1 in a tightly contested encounter to book their place in the title decider, while St Mary’s School Yala defeated surprise package Takaba Mixed Senior School 2-0.

Yala’s Black Saints, backed by Chief Principal V.O. Makanda, were made to work hard by a resilient Takaba side before second-half goals from Arnold Otieno and Enock Mwangadi sealed victory.

Head coach Kevin Oluoch said tactical adjustments after the break proved decisive. “We expected a tough match against Takaba. Their game plan worked in the first half, which ended 0-0.

In the second half, we changed our game plan and scored the two goals,” said Oluoch. Having already secured qualification for the East Africa championships, Oluoch said his side is now focused on lifting the national title. “It will be a tough match against a good opponent. Expect an entertaining end-to-end game,” he added.

In the other semi-final, Kakamega High’s Green Commandos overcame Menengai High 2-1, with Julius Ochieng and Daniel Ombati scoring the decisive goals. Rashid Abdi netted Menengai’s consolation.

In the girls’ competition, St Joseph’s Girls Kitale will take on 2019 champions Nyakach Girls in the final. Nyakach booked their place with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Raila Education Centre, courtesy of goals from Emily Adhiambo, Penina Akoth, Nancy Anyango and Nelly Chivisti.

St Joseph’s Girls, popularly known as JOGA and supported by Chief Principal Rosebella Orwaru, stunned former champions Archbishop Njenga Girls 1-0 in the other semi-final, with Purity Nechesa scoring the decisive goal.

The final will be a repeat of the group-stage clash, where Nyakach emerged 2-0 winners. JOGA coach Francis Ojilo believes his team has learned from that defeat. “We lost 2-0 in the group stage, but we want to avenge that defeat and fight for our first national title,” he said.

In netball, tournament favourites Bukokholo stormed into the final with a commanding 70-20 victory over Kinale Girls and will meet Rift Valley champions Andersen Mixed. Andersen secured their place in the final after upsetting former national and East Africa champions Kaya Tiwi 59-25.

In girls’ volleyball, Kegogom Mixed Senior School dethroned defending champions Kwanthanze Girls with a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-16, 26-20) to reach the final, where they will face Soweto Academy.

Soweto Academy advanced after defeating St Martha’s Mwitoti 3-1 (25-17, 25-16, 20-25, 25-21). In the boys’ volleyball competition, debutants AIC Chepsaita will face Chesamis in the final. Chepsaita swept aside Matiliku 3-0 (25-22, 25-11, 25-11), while Chesamis defeated Masara Mixed in straight sets 25-22, 25-22, 25-19 to complete the championship lineup.