Former champions Highway and debutants St Mary’s School Yala opened their KCB Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football campaigns with victories on Sunday at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu county.
St Mary’s Yala made a dream national championship debut by defeating a 10-man Menengai High School 2-0. Menengai suffered a major setback when captain Clement Otieno was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 76th minute.
Backed by Chief Principal V.O. Makanda, the Nyanza representatives underlined their title credentials through a dominant display, capped by Javan Omondi’s second-half brace.
“The goals do not reflect the game because we dominated throughout,” said Yala coach Kevin Oluoch. “However, I’m happy with the outcome. The boys played well and followed instructions.”
“We don’t want to get carried away by this win,” Oluoch added. “We want to beat Tononoka (Monday morning) to seal a place in the semi-finals before our final group match against Highway.”
In the group’s other match, 2024 champions Highway began their quest to reclaim the title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over coast region’s Tononoka. Topsam Onyango netted the decisive goal for the Nairobi champions in the 50th minute.
“It was a good game,” said Highway team manager Fred Abuga. “We created a lot of chances but failed to utilise them. They pushed us all the way, but we remained patient.”
Highway face Menengai on Monday in what promises to be a stern test.
“Menengai will be seeking redemption after losing their opening game, so we expect them to go full throttle, but our goal is to win,” Abuga said.
In girls’ football, former champions Nyakach Girls’ swept past St Joseph’s Girls’ Kitale 2-0, while coast champions Kaya Tiwi edged Kiarithe 1-0.
In volleyball, national debutants Chepsaita (Rift Valley) and Masara Mixed (Nyanza) earned resounding victories. Chepsaita dispatched Central region’s Kiambaa 3-0 (25-11, 25-10, 25-19), while Masara Mixed from Migori county comfortably swept Furaha High School 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-22).
Elsewhere in volleyball, Western Region champions Chesamis defeated tournament regulars Ruthimitu 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-17), while Matiliku rallied from a set down to edge Moi Forces 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 18-16) in a five-set thriller.
In netball, Bukokholo kicked off their campaign with a 61-44 win over Asumbi Girls’, while Andersen Mixed dominated Moi Girls’ Kibwezi 91-17.
Action in rugby Sevens and basketball 3×3 gets underway on Monday morning.
