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Author: Maxwell Wasike

  • Ligi Ndogo East Africa Tournament attracts a record 219 Teams

    Ligi Ndogo East Africa Tournament attracts a record 219 Teams

    A total of 219 teams have registered for the much-anticipated 2023 edition of the Ligi Ndogo East Africa tournament set to take place on August 17th and 18th, transforming the Nairobi Polo Club into a battleground of budding football stars.

    Preparations are in full swing as the stage is set for this age group tournament that will see teams converge for a two-day football spectacle from 10 countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

    The tournament which will be played in a seven-a-side format will see diverse age categories featured in the regional youth tournament, with young athletes spanning Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, and Under 13 age groups.

    Kenya,host of this year’s tournament is expected to welcome over 1000 young football prodigies from the East African region.

    The tournament director Chris Amimo while reflecting on the staggering record-breaking number of entries acknowledged that this surge in participation underscores the tournament’s escalating reputation and significance.

    “This tournament will serve as an unparalleled platform for these nascent talents to showcase their prowess and refine their abilities. My dedication to providing opportunities for young players extends beyond this event, as Ligi Ndogo is resolutely committed to propelling young athletes into the realm of countrywide tournaments, international cups, and enriching tours.I call upon fans to turn up in large numbers and exuberantly support these young aspirants.” he said

    The Ligi Ndogo East African Cup, initiated by the Ligi Ndogo Soccer Club Fraternity in 2008, holds a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts across the region.

    A celebration of August every year, the tournament is a platform to raise awareness about pertinent issues affecting football development among children and youth in the East African landscape.

    Each year, a pertinent theme is chosen, reflecting the concerns and aspirations of the region’s young population.

  • CS Nakhumicha lauds St Antony Kitale for their heroic exploits in Kakamega

    CS Nakhumicha lauds St Antony Kitale for their heroic exploits in Kakamega

    A day after St Antony Boys Kitale were crowned the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football champions, Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha has lauded the Solidarity Boys for their spirited effort that earned them the top accolade in Kakamega County on Saturday.

    Nakhumicha, a sporting fan herself said the excellent display by Peter Mayoyo coached side was a testament of growth of football not only in Tranz Nzoia county but the whole country courtesy of Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda [BETA)  being spearheaded by President William Ruto.

    CS Susan Nakhumicha (extreme right) flanked by her Tourism counterpart Peninah Malonza (middle),Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris alongside the new WBF Women’s World Super Lightweight Champion Sarah Achieng and UWC Edith Soledad Mattyhsse in June this year

    The 2-0 win saw the Trans Nzoia County-based side revenge their 1-0 defeat to Dagoretti during the preliminary matches on Thursday and head coach Mayoyo believes they still have a lot to achieve ahead of East Africa school games in Rwanda.

    “Congratulations St Anthony’s Boys High School Kitale (The Solidarity Boys) for being crowned the National Football Champions at the Kenya Secondary School Games. Your 2-0 victory over Dagoreti High in the finals was a hard fought battle. I am proud of you. Kitale is proud of you. Kenya applauds you,” she wrote.

    Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the influential midfielder cum the fan favourite Aldrine Kibet scored the brace for the 2018 East Africa secondary school football champions ending hopes of Dagoretti sealing the much-anticipated glory.

    “Congratulations to the boys. This is a good day for not only the school but Rift Valley as a region. We are back where we belong and I want to thank the administration for their support.We celebrate today but training starts tomorrow. The job is not yet done for us because we have another big prize to bring home. East Africa, we are coming,” remarked Mayoyo.

    Trans Nzoia County produced other winning team in Kesogon girls’ volleyball who dethroned African volleyball champions Kwanthanze Secondary School after winning 3-1 sets to clinch their maiden national title and put the brakes on the East Africa champions’.

    Area Governor George Natembeya noted that his administration remains dedicated to fostering sports through allocation of funds to support county sports and the Construction of the state-of-the-art Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale.

    “A special shout-out to St. Anthony’s Boys and Kesogon Girls for clinching the championship at the Secondary School Games.Congratulations to Wiyeta Girls too for their impressive performance, securing a spot in the East Africa games as the second runner-up.The 20,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium promises our athletes a modern and top-notch facility, ” he noted

    Focus for the top three teams in every discipline will now shift to the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) games which will take place in Huye City, Rwanda, from 15th to 30th August, 2023.

    In an effort to boost the level of sports in the country, the government through the Ministry of Sports in partnership with Kenya Academy of Sports has announced plans to increase the number of teams participating in East African secondary school games to three from the initial two teams

    “The government through the sports fund will partner with Kenya Sports Academy in funding all national sports games to ensure we tap and nurture more talents. This will give rooms for schools to produce more heroes to emulate sports legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Macdonald
    Mariga, Victor Wanyama, Faith Kipyegon among others,” said State Department for Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang

  • St Antony Boys reign supreme to clinch KSSSA football title

    St Antony Boys reign supreme to clinch KSSSA football title

    St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, popularly known as Solidarity Boys clinched the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) football title after deservedly seeing off Dagoretti High School 2-0 in an exciting and well attended final played at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.

    Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the influential midfielder cum the fan favourite Aldrine Kibet scored the brace for the 2018 East Africa secondary school football champions ending hopes of Dagoretti sealing the much-anticipated glory.

    Prior to this tie,Peter Mayoyo coached side had beaten hosts Shanderema Secondary School 1-0 in the semifinals after Kibet netted the crucial goal that not only confirmed the Rift Valley champions’ finals status but also saw them qualify for the East African games set for Rwanda.

    Dagoretti who knocked out Nyanza champions Agoro Sare High School 3-0 on post-match penalties after they played out a 1-1 draw in regular time in the other semis failed to display the same result they put up on Wednesday following 1-0 victory against the same opponents at the group stage.

    “It’s been a fruitful journey for us starting from day one and we are extremely delighted that our hard work has finally paid off with a national title. It is a perfect national show for us sealing it with a trophy.We just played better as per the plan and emulated our style in the previous four matches as the boys gave 100 percent making no mistakes. We defended well and took our chances” said Mayoyo.

    The game was presided over by Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi among other host of government officials including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, his Education counterpart Ezekiel Machogu,host Governor Fernandes Barasa,George Natembeya of Tranz Nzoia among others.

    “Honoured to be here and attend these finals which were a joy to watch.Both teams are champions as they will represent our country in Rwanda during regional competition. Part of what happened today and during the entire tournament is part of sports monetisation program through Talanta Hela where the government has invested heavily in line with President William Ruto’s agenda of developing the game,Arts and Creatives.We are leaving nothing to chance as far putting in place proper policies,structures and mechanisms aimed at pushing for the growth of the talent among passionate youth in Kenya” noted Namwamba.

    In the ladies category played at the same venue, Judith Okumu’s solitary goal in the first half was enough to deny Wiyeta a record-extending ninth title.

    Head coach Howard Shikanga hailed his charges for their hard fought victory to cruise to East Africa in style.

    “We are very happy to win this title. We fought for it and we deserve the victory. Our focus is now East Africa,” noted Shikanga

    Focus for the top three teams in every discipline will now shift to the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) games which will take place in Huye City, Rwanda, from 15th to 30th August, 2023.

  • Kesogon overcome odds to bag KSSSA overall ladies volleyball title in Kakamega

    Kesogon overcome odds to bag KSSSA overall ladies volleyball title in Kakamega

    After losing twice to Kwanthanze, Kesogon girls’ volleyball displayed a spirited fight to record a deserving victory of 3-1 sets in the finals of Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games played at Kakamega School in Kakamega County.

    Last year, Kesogon lost to Kwanthanze both at the national and East Africa volleyball finals and head coach Head coach Gilbert Kaisha said the win affirmed their bid to dominate supremacy of the game in Kenya and beyond.

    “I’m happy for my girls as they played very well as per the instructions and they deserved this sweet win.Our opponents had overpowered us in the past and we did our best to take the gold medal home.We promise our fans to replicate same performance at the regional tourney in Rwanda” he said

    Coming from Trans Nzoia, the county dominated the Rift Valley Secondary Schools Games in Laikipia last month with the Kesogon edging out Bomet’s Kaboson3-0 (25-21, 25-19 and 25-13) for the title in one of the most competitive championships that attracted 14 counties.

    Kwanthanze Secondary School were hoping to bank on their heroic exploits after being crowned the Africa volleyball girls champions in their maiden appearance of the Federation of African Schools Sport Championships in Casablanca, Morocco in February this year.

    The five-time East Africa champions defeated Morocco’s Lycee Bir Anzarane Team A in straight sets in the final to extend their volleyball dominance to the continent as they opened the Africa trophy cabinet in their first time of asking.

  • Shanderema seals a third place finish after win over Agoro Sare

    Shanderema seals a third place finish after win over Agoro Sare

    Western Region representatives Shanderema stamped their authoritaty after convincingly trouncing Nyanza based Agoro Sare to take home bronze medal during the third place play-off staged on Saturday morning at Bukhungu Stadium.

    The fan favourites who were eliminated on Friday from the final qualification in the hands of St Antony Boys Kitale at the same venue booked a place at the forthcoming East Africa school games in Rwanda.

    Agoro Sare on the other hand who concluded the group stage matches on a high after thrashing Khorof Harar 7-0 to finish second in Pool ‘A’ fixtures lost 3-0 at semis to Dagoretti on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

    The two teams on Thursday had shared spoils after a 1-1 draw in the second Pool ‘A’ match at the Kenya Secondary schools sports Association (KSSSA) which concludes on Saturday.

    In an effort to boost the level of sports in the country, the government through the Ministry of Sports in partnership with Kenya Academy of Sports has announced plans to increase the number of teams participating in East African secondary school games to three from the initial two teams

    The 2023 edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) games will take place in Huye City, Rwanda, from 15th to 30th August, 2023.

  • Koyonzo retain National Rugby Sevens title

    Koyonzo retain National Rugby Sevens title

    Koyonzo Secondary School from Kakamega County replicated their last year’s glittering performance to win the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) National Rugby sevens title during the finals staged at the Bull Ring on Friday.

    Elly Okwemba coached side outwitted their opponents and Western counterparts Vihiga High School after staging a late comeback to win 22-12 in an entertaining clash which will see the winner representing the country during regional East Africa tourney in Rwanda.

    “We have proven again that it was not a fluke when we won the national title last year. We have done it again and congratulations to the boys.It was not an easy feat but am glad we pulled it through,” said Okwemba.

    Elsewhere in the ladies category, Matungu Sub County Mwira Mixed Secondary School were crowned the national girls rugby sevens champions after defeating Gilgil Girls 10-5 to win their maiden title.

    Mwira head coach Christine Akinyi lauded the KSSSA management for working closely with the Kenya Rugby Union and the Ministry of Education to develop girls rugby, an initiative she says will uplift the standards of women’s rugby in the country.

  • Dagoretti High,St Antony Boys to lock horns in KSSSA Kakamega finals

    Dagoretti High,St Antony Boys to lock horns in KSSSA Kakamega finals

    Nairobi region representatives Dagoretti High School will square it out with five-time champions St Antony Boys aka Solidarity Boys in the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) football finals set for Saturday at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.

    Dagoretti qualified to the finals after overcoming their rivals Agoro Sare 3-0 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time while St Antony Boys defeated hosts and fan favourites Friends School Shanderema in a match played in front of a fully packed Bukhungu Stadium.

    This year’s final showdown is the repeat of 2019 culmination that saw St Anthony clinch the overall Championship following 5-4 win on post-match penalties

    In the girls category, the 2014 national games champions Butere Girls defied odds to book a place in the finals after beating Madira Girls in an entertaining match to book a place against heavyweights Wiyeta Girls who came from a goal down to force a 2-2 draw against stubborn Dagoretti Mixed before edging them out on post-match spot kicks to set up a pulsating tussle.

    Ten times National Champions Wiyeta tactician Edgar Manyara praised his charges for their orgasmic performance  to secure a slot to Rwanda.

    “We are happy for the win, my girls showed their fighting spirit after going down earlier on. It was a tough match but we cooled down our nerves to take it home.We will be going for our 11th title tomorrow and we will give it all,” noted Manyara.

    His Butere counterpart Howard Shikanga acknowledged a tough assignment ahead of them but remained optimistic of winning the overall silverware.

    “I am happy for the win, we gave our best and my girls are happy because they are finally going Rwanda. We showed why we have reached this stage.We have played Wiyeta before, we know their game and we are going for the title,” he said

  • Lopetegui parts ways with Wolves days before PL kick-off

    Lopetegui parts ways with Wolves days before PL kick-off

    Julen Lopetegui has left Wolves just three days before the start of the new Premier League season.

    The Spaniard had been in charge of the club for nine months and kept them in the Premier League after taking over with the team bottom last Christmas.

    Lopetegui had criticised the club’s lack of spending during this summer’s window and cut a frustrated figure over the last few weeks.

    Meanwhile, Wolves have also seen a number of the club’s best players leave during this summer.

    A club statement announcing Lopetegui’s departure from Wolves read: “The head coach and club acknowledged and accepted their differences of opinion on certain issues and agreed that an amicable end to his contract was the best solution for all parties.”

    Gary O’Neil is under consideration for the Wolves vacancy. O’Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Bournemouth in June but has been linked with a host of jobs over the summer.

    He kept the Cherries in the Premier League against all the odds racking up 39 points and finishing 15th, despite that achievement he did not keep hold of his job. Former Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola replaced O’Neil as Bournemouth’s new head coach.

    Wolves will start their 2023/24 Premier League campaign away at Manchester United on Monday August 14 before hosting Brighton at Molineux on August 19 then two away games against Everton (August 26) and Crystal Palace (September 2).

  • Genesis Sports pitching camp in Kakamega to promote local merchandise

    Genesis Sports pitching camp in Kakamega to promote local merchandise

    The fast-rising Genesis Sports Limited has intensified their efforts of promoting development of the game in Kenya across various disciplines through renewed strategy of seeking to bridge this gap by offering Kenyans a variety of exercise equipment, sports wear and other accessories.

    In an exercise being spearheaded in Kakamega at the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) ball games, company Sales and Marketing Manager Bilhah Njunge indicated that the move is aimed at building culture among Kenyan fans to be patriotic and supportive towards their local sport.

    “The Kenyan consumer is not the consumer of 10 years ago.They know it all as they want the best and the latest.We are here in Kakamega which is the bedrock of Kenyan sports especially football and rugby to encourage fans of various sporting activities to prioritise the purchase of local merchandise of various teams ranging from soccer to volleyball at both club and national team level.The desire to keep up with international trends has challenged our business to stock up the latest designs and at affordable prices and we’re strategically located countrywide to help spur revenue generation to our sports hence build the overall game” Njunge said

    Kakamega is the host of this year’s national school ball games which kicked off off today in a five-day sporting extravaganza that will run until August 12 in Kakamega County.

    According to KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi,the event will be thrilling bringing together several schools to compete in various disciplines including soccer, volleyball, rugby, handball, tennis, hockey, among others.

    “All the plans are on top gear; teams are already here just waiting for the commencement of respective competitions. This year, we expect an epic showdown here since teams are well prepared as compared to last year when we were just returning for the first time since covid-19. We know Kakamega people love sports and we would like to welcome them all. Security arrangements are a notch higher and we are going to entertain the Kakamega residents through these games,” noted Ngugi

    National level debutants Shanderema will be banking on playing at home to continue with its replicating form after edging out heavyweights Kakamega High’s Green Commandos and Scorpions of Musingu during Western Region qualification stage.

    Kevin Asuba coached side is in Pool A together with Nyanza’s Agoro Sare,Kirangari High Schoo from Central region and North Eastern’s Bute Boys High School.

    Pool “B” has five-time champions St Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale from Rift Valley, Dagoretti High School (Nairobi), Matiliku Boys Secondary School (Eastern) and Serani Secondary School from Coast.

    “I am excited to have qualified for the national school games for the first time. We are hosting the games and as you know, the last time we hosted Kakamega County won the title.Therefore, I urge all our fans to come out in large numbers to support us, we are not going to participate but we are going to win the trophy,” remarked Asuba

    Koyonzo High School Rugby team who reclaimed the Western Region Rugby 7 title after defeating Vihiga High School 17-7 in the finals played at the Bull Ring in Kakamega are optimistic of maintaining their high flying form.

    “We are champions again. Kudos to the boys for showing character. Despite qualifying for the regionals with two games to spare, the boys never backed down as our goal was to win the championship which will go along way to motivate us ahead of the next stage,” said Koyonzo Stormers head coach Elly Okwemba

    They are expected to face stiff competition from 2020 National rugby 15’s champions Upper Hill,Nyanza region powerhouses St. Mary’s Yala and former champions Maseno School.

    Girls volleyball which has been dominated by Kwathanze Girls Secondary School From Eastern are in Pool A with Soweto Secondary from Nairobi, Vyambani Secondary from the Coast.

    Pool B has reigning silver medalists Kesogon from Rift Valley, Karima Secondary from Central, Nyakach Girls from Nyanza and Mwitoto Secondary from Western. 

    The KSSSA has picked Kakamega High School, Bukhungu Stadium, St Ignatius, Mukumu Boys, St Peter’s Seminary-Mukumu, Kakamega Approved School and Masinde Muliro University as hosts of the tournament.

  • KSSSA promise a breathtaking showdown in Kakamega

    KSSSA promise a breathtaking showdown in Kakamega

    The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Associations (KSSSA) have promised an exciting tournament as the national school ball games kick off today in a five-day sporting extravaganza that will run until August 12 in Kakamega County.

    According to KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi,the event will be thrilling bringing together several schools to compete in various disciplines including soccer, volleyball, rugby, handball, tennis, hockey, among others.

    “All the plans are on top gear; teams are already here just waiting for the commencement of respective competitions. This year, we expect an epic showdown here since teams are well prepared as compared to last year when we were just returning for the first time since covid-19. We know Kakamega people love sports and we would like to welcome them all. Security arrangements are a notch higher and we are going to entertain the Kakamega residents through these games,” Noted Ngugi

    National level debutants Shanderema will be banking on playing at home to continue with its replicating form after edging out heavyweights Kakamega High’s Green Commandos and Scorpions of Musingu during Western Region qualification stage.

    Kevin Asuba coached side is in Pool A together with Nyanza’s Agoro Sare,Kirangari High Schoo from Central region and North Eastern’s Bute Boys High School.

    Pool “B” has five-time champions St Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale from Rift Valley, Dagoretti High School (Nairobi), Matiliku Boys Secondary School (Eastern) and Serani Secondary School from Coast.

    “I am excited to have qualified for the national school games for the first time. We are hosting the games and as you know, the last time we hosted Kakamega County won the title.Therefore, I urge all our fans to come out in large numbers to support us, we are not going to participate but we are going to win the trophy,” remarked Asuba

    Koyonzo High School Rugby team who reclaimed the Western Region Rugby 7 title after defeating Vihiga High School 17-7 in the finals played at the Bull Ring in Kakamega are optimistic of maintaining their high flying form.

    “We are champions again. Kudos to the boys for showing character. Despite qualifying for the regionals with two games to spare, the boys never backed down as our goal was to win the championship which will go along way to motivate us ahead of the next stage,” said Koyonzo Stormers head coach Elly Okwemba

    They are expected to face stiff competition from 2020 National rugby 15’s champions Upper Hill,Nyanza region powerhouses St. Mary’s Yala and former champions Maseno School.

    Girls volleyball which has been dominated by Kwathanze Girls Secondary School From Eastern are in Pool A with Soweto Secondary from Nairobi, Vyambani Secondary from the Coast.

    Pool B has reigning silver medalists Kesogon from Rift Valley, Karima Secondary from Central, Nyakach Girls from Nyanza and Mwitoto Secondary from Western. 

    The KSSSA has picked Kakamega High School, Bukhungu Stadium, St Ignatius, Mukumu Boys, St Peter’s Seminary-Mukumu, Kakamega Approved School and Masinde Muliro University as hosts of the tournament.