The highly anticipated Nyanza Secondary Schools sports events were hit with numerous disruptions, an illustration of the passion and uproar that characters have developed about these competitions. Opening games in boys’ football and volleyball were disrupted due to instances of crowd trouble and fan rows. Competitive events were set to take place at Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho and other grounds in the Nyanza region.
Key Incidents and Reactions
Boys’ Football: Agoro Sare vs. Kisumu Day
Defending champions Agoro Sare were set to face off against Kisumu Day in the highly publicized encounter. The match was, however, called off after fan invasion to the pitch due to security concerns. The disruption meant the game would be postponed to an undesignated venue on Thursday. Tom Odhiambo, secretary KSSSA Nyanza Region, explained the reason for its postponement:
“The drum-playing fans invaded the pitch, and we had no option but to let them continue. The game will be played on Thursday,” said Odhiambo.
Sameta High vs. Matutu PAG Secondary
In yet another boys’ football match, there were disruptions in another match pitting Sameta High and Matutu PAG Secondary from Nyamira. Angry fans disputed the second goal for Matutu PAG, arguing it was scored from an offside position. The game had to be stopped following unrest from the crowd, at a 1-1 tie.
Girls’ Football: Nyakach and St Mary’s Lwak Girls
Nyakach smiled all the way to a 13-0 win in the girls’ category over Moremani. However, coach Crispin Odundo brushed off any notion that the easy win will see the girls lose focus:
“This was like a training game for the girls. However, this should not make them relax in the next game. Our focus is to reclaim our title,” said Odundo.
Defending champions St Mary’s Lwak Girls also began their title defense with great success, edging out Migori Education Centre 1-0. Coach William Otieno did acknowledge the challenging nature of it:
“It was a tough game. Migori were equally a good side. Our target is to retain the regional trophy. The girls are prepared and ready,” said Otieno.
Volleyball: Nyabondo and Nyakach
The Nyabondo volleyball team annexed the boys’ title after outclassing Etomo Mixed of Nyamira. Latter came from a set down to win 3-1; sets ended 26-28, 25-19, 25-17, and 25-15 respectively. Nyakach emerged victorious in the girl’s category after beating Kameji School from Migori County in straight sets of 25-15, 25-13, and 25-12.
Sponsorship and Support
The tournament was also supported by various sponsors. Nyanza Sports Vibez, a sports equipment store based in Kisii, sponsored the event. Mwalimu National Sacco and Kisumu National Polytechnic added their input through trophy support, stating the massive support of the community for these regional sporting activities.