Ebwali and Madira emerged the winners in the Vihiga County football finals, taking their respective championships in the just-concluded KSSSA games at Mumboha Stadium. The triumph by both teams came via penalty shootouts, an affirmation that the aforementioned matches were full of unpredictability and part of the intense competitions.
Ebwali’s Victory in Boys’ Football
Games culminated into a final pitted against Chavakali High that ended in a barren draw with Ebwali winning the title 4-2 on penalties. The two teams had met in the group stages, and Ebwali won the match 3-0. However, with Chavakali making lots of changes for the final, the match became very tight.
Chavakali High School coach Hillary Muleri conceded the penalty shootout hurdle, saying, “When it comes to penalties, it is anybody’s game and we accept defeat.” In spite of the defeat, Muleri seemed elated at the performance by the team, after both teams at the sub-county level had bowed out in 2023. “I’m happy we are back at our best, on course for nationals in Kisii, and probably East Africa Games in Uganda,” he said. Muleri also pointed at future strategies, saying he had identified Ebwali’s stronghold, citing their over-reliance on skipper Austin Odongo.
Ebwali head coach Francis Muhambe sounded confident about his team’s prospects at regional level. “Sub-county and county levels are quite tricky but at the regionals heading to nationals I know what to do,” Muhambe said.
Madira’s Success in Girls’ Football
In the girls’ category, Madira Soccer Assassins edged past Ibubi 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out after the regular time ended in a stalemate. Ibubi’s coach, Godfrey Omondi, whose team succumbed to defeat, hailed his team’s effort despite losing to an opponent, terming them very strong, saying that Madira was no joke.
Their success stretched into rugby Sevens as well, as Madira went ahead to win the championship. Joy Owiti emerged the Most Valuable Player, cementing her fine performance. Madira qualified to represent the region in Bungoma alongside Kisangula, Kevehe, and Idavaga Muslim Secondary School teams.
Vihiga County’s Regional Representatives
The KSSSA games fielded several schools from Vihiga County through various disciplines of sports to represent the region at regional competitions. These are:
Boys’ Rugby
- Vihiga Boys
- Senende
- Chavakali
- Nyang’ori
Boys’ Basketball
- Chavakali
- Ebunangwe
- Vihiga
- Hobunaka
Girls’ Basketball
- Tigoi (Defending Champions)
- Bunyore
- Vokoli
- St. Clares Maragoli
Netball
- St. Clare’s Maragoli (Champions)
- Mudavadi
- Hobunaka
These sterling performances across the board in these sports are indicative of the considerable amount of talent and fighting spirit bottled within the package of Vihiga County schools. As these teams move forth to compete at the regional level, they do so representing hopes and pride for the county, with a keen eye of making a mark at the national level, later on in Kisii, and probably even at the East African Games in Uganda.