John Osogo Secondary School have retained the Busia County Soccer title championship for the second successive year. The school set up an enticing penalty shoot-out that eventually saw them emerge victorious over their perennial rivals Mabunge RC of Nambale Sub County after playing a barren draw in the official minutes of play. Yesterday’s victory at St. Mathias Secondary School in Busia solidified the status of John Osogo as one of the fortresses in soccer in Busia County.
The Championship Journey
The Final Showdown
The high octane final between John Osogo Secondary School and Mabunge RC ended without goals, leading the match into a penalty shootout. Composed and executed skillfully by the players, John Osogo managed to overcome the rivals in a tensely played out shootout with a 4-3 victory.
Player and Coach Reactions
Captain’s Pride
Asman Yesir, the captain of the team, on the other hand, attributed the success to hard work and a winning mentality. “The game was really tough, but we really worked very hard, and our mentality was of winning and making history again,” he said in reflection of the unbeatable determination and resilience of the team.
Strategic Preparation
Coach Kennedy Wabwire attested that the secret was in preparing early. “This year we started our preparation early, and that helped us. We have been at regionals, and this time we are well prepared to compete. We must play at the National Finals,” he concluded, tapping into confidence over participation in future competitions.
St Joseph Chakol Girls: Champions Once Again
St Joseph Chakol Girls ably retained the soccer title after edging out Kingandole Girls, winning 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Sharon Odima. The captain of the side, Sharon Odima, attributed the success to discipline and confidence. “The discipline and confidence from the girls have said it all: we have trained well enough and this time, we are heading to the National finals,” she said.
Coach’s Appeal for Sponsorship
Coach Antony Wekesa said he will be appealing for support in terms of sponsorship which will be their savior from lacking a feeder team into the National Super League when the Chakol Queens are set to play next season. “I want these girls to be helped and be part of the team they built,” he strongly pleaded, alluding to the significance of financial backing for the team’s sustained success.
Principal’s Ambitions
The school principal David Mase, for one, expressed optimism that they had a good chance at the East Africa Games. “We are going to strengthen our team in a few positions, and this time round East African Finals here we come,” he said with conviction, setting high expectations for the team’s future endeavors.
Other Notable Achievements in Busia County Sports
Basketball Champions
The tournament ended with Nangina Girls and Sigalame High School winning the basketball games in the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively, in the 3-on-3 format. These were victories deservedly earned in showing that secondary school sports scene in Busia County was unique and full of diverse talent.
Netball Victors
The champions in netball were the girls from Bumala A.C. Odiado Secondary School also qualified to represent the county in the regional games. These are achievements that speak to the spirit of competition and the hard work natured within the young athletes of Busia County in the different sporting disciplines.