Little-known Agai Secondary School stopped Kisumu Boys 2-0 in football final to emerge champions in Nyanza Regional secondary schools Term Two games.
St Joseph’s Boys High School retained their football title as the curtain fell on Rift Valley Region secondary schools Term Two games at Hill School, Uasin Gishu County, on Saturday.
The Trans Nzoia-based football giants clinched the title in dramatic fashion after their prolific striker, Instine Simiyu, struck a last-minute winner in the 90th minute for 1-0 final victory over Kimuron Secondary School from Elgeyo Marakwet.
St Joseph’s Boys High School football team players after emerging victorious in Rift Valley regional secondary schools Term Two games.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
In Kisumu, goals from Morgan Onyango in the 51st minute and Moses Otieno in (86th minute) sealed the win for Agai before a crowd of 5,000 spectators at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Surprise package Agai got a standing ovation from the fans at the final whistle, as they secured a place in the national championships which will be held in Kakamega from July 24 to August 2.
Agai, captained by Alex Ouma, had beaten Kassagam 5-1 in a revised semi-final fixture of Kisumu County championships before seeing off Homa Bay champions Karabok 2-0 in the regional semifinals.
Speaking after the final, Agai Secondary’s team manager, Julius Ouma, praised the team's unity and mental strength.
“The journey hasn’t been smooth, given the competitiveness of boys’ football in Kisumu. We began at the zonal level in Nyakach Sub-county, played 11 matches, scored 33 goals and didn’t concede a single goal,” said Ouma.
“We faced major challenges at the county level due to injuries and fatigue, but the boys pushed through. Their teamwork, experience and discipline were our greatest strengths,” he said.
He noted that most of the players have played together for over three years, which has built strong team chemistry.
Ouma also recalled the disappointment of last year, where Agai lost the county final to Kisumu Day under controversial circumstances.
“We lost the county title due to mismanagement by the county sports office. Our boys were forced to play two finals against different teams, which affected them mentally. This year, we came determined to make history and redeem ourselves.”
They were reinstated into the regional competition after a successful appeal against Onjiko High School, who had knocked them out at the county level with a 1-0 win.
Onjiko were later disqualified and handed a three-year ban by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) for fielding six ineligible players, including one who had already completed school.
Kisumu Boys also challenged Kisumu Day’s qualification, leading to another reshuffle that saw them make it to the regionals for the first time in years and eventually reach the final.
Ouma credited every player in his squad for the victory, highlighting individuals across all positions, including goalkeeper Steven Oyombe, defenders Brian Melabi, Briton Okumu, and Nicholas Omondi; midfielders Alex Ogendo, Austin Juma, and Morgan Onyango; and forwards David Okora and Moses Otieno.
“Everyone has played their part. This is a team that works together, prays together, and believes in discipline and humility. Like Israel, small but capable of winning big battles — that’s our spirit,” he added.
In girls’ football, Kobala Girls from Homa Bay reclaimed the Nyanza regional title they last won in 2022. St Mary’s School Yala retained their boys’ title after beating Anjego 26-15.
In girls’ rugby sevens, Sigoti Complex were crowned champions after a 19-7 victory over Nyagichenche. Oyugi Ogango from Migori successfully defended their regional netball title, while Nyakongo Girls emerged volleyball girls champions. Gogo Secondary from Homa Bay clinched boys’ volleyball title.
