Kenyan teams made a bright start as the 22nd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games got underway at different venues in Kakamega yesterday.
Vihiga Boys High School, Kesogon Mixed Secondary, St Anthony’s Boys High School and Tigoi Girls High School underlined their title intentions on the opening day of action.
In rugby 15s, national champions Vihiga Boys and Kisii School recorded victories in their respective matches at Bullring grounds. The two schools are making their debut at the annual championship.
Vihiga Boys held on to narrowly beat Uganda’s Namilyango College 20-15. Vihiga coach Abubakar Abdalla admitted it was a tough game but was glad they opened their campaign with a win.
“We made some errors that almost cost us victory but we are grateful for the victory. It’s the perfect platform to build on as we aim to top the region to add on to our national title,” said Abdalla.
Vihiga led 10-8 at the break thanks to tries from Clinton Makau and Moses Wanyama, while the Ugandans rallied through a try and penalty conversion from Titus Nyonyintono.
“It was a tough game. The first game is always not easy. We are taking a game at a time. I expect equally tough games,” said Victor Wangwe.
Kisii School made a dream debut, thrashing Uganda’s Kings College 34-12.
In boys’ football, Buddo Secondary upset compatriots and defending champions Amus College 1-0, while Bukedea Comprehensive shocked 14-time champions St Mary’s Kitende 2-1.
Kenyan girls’ football teams experienced slow starts. Madira Girls drew 0-0 with Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim, Nasokol Girls held Alliance from Tanzania to a goalless draw, and Kobala Girls drew 1-1 with Tanzania’s Fountain Gate. National champions Butere Girls also drew 0-0 with Amus College of Uganda.
“We were not prepared to play today because the fixture indicated this match was to be played on Friday.
"The change got us flat-footed because most of my girls have been playing for the national team and are fatigued,” said Butere coach Edwin Sakwa.
Amus coach Anyao Frank said: “This match was balanced with both teams exhibiting a battle of skill, speed and pure confidence. But as I said, we are here to prove our worth.”
In girls’ hockey, debutants Ng’iya Girls held champions St Joseph’s Kitale to a goalless draw, while Tigoi Girls thrashed Uganda’s Bweranyangi 9-0, with Lavender Philly and Diana Namachanja scoring four goals each. Mwiki Girls beat Uganda’s Namagunga 4-2.
In boys’ hockey, St Anthony’s Kitale beat MPesa Foundation Academy 2-1, while Kakungulu Memorial upset champions Musingu School 1-0. St Charles Lwanga edged Mbarara High 2-1.
In girls’ basketball, holders St Noa Girls beat Kenya’s Kaya Tiwi 68-55, while Butere Girls defeated Rwanda’s Gahini Girls 68-49. In boys’ action, Dr Aggrey humbled Seeta H.S 64-41, and Lukenya Academy beat St Cyprian 54-49.
In volleyball, Kesogon Mixed and Kwanthanze won their opening matches, while boys’ champions St Luc beat Mwaluphamba 3-1. In netball, St Mary’s Kitende edged Kenya’s Oyugi Ogango 39-34.
