Were ready to guide champions Onjiko past Agoro Sare as Nyanza games begin

Reigning basketball champions Onjiko High School have promised Agoro Sare nothing but torture when the two-time Kisumu County champions begin their Nyanza Regional boys' basketball title defense today, in Kisii.

In what will be a repeat of last year's final that saw Onjiko defeat Agoro Sare 82-51 to lift their maiden regional title, coach Joseph Were is confident that they will triumph once again.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Were, who previously coached Nangina Girls, Friends School Kamusinga and Sigalame Boys to national success, said his target with Onjiko is to conquer Kenya.

Were, who guided Nangina Girls to the national title in 1995, said Onjiko lacked confidence last year at the nationals, an area they have rectified through beefing up the squad and working on their mental strength.

"We finished fifth nationally last year because it was the boys' first time at such level. We lacked the confidence edge, but we are ready this time round," said Were.

"Agoro Sare is a tough team but we are Onjiko. We want to start with a win which I know will motivate the team more, ahead of our fixtures."

After facing Agoro Sare from Homa Bay today, Onjiko will play Migori Boys High School and Nyanchwa Boys High School from Kisii in Group A tomorrow.

Hosts Kisii High School are in pool B with Nyamira County's St Kizito Nyansiongo Boys High School, Usenge High School (Siaya) and Maseno School (Kisumu).

On the other hand, girls' basketball defending champions Ototo Mixed Secondary School will renew their rivalry with last year's finalists Barchando Girls Secondary School.

In last year's regional games at Asumbi Technical Training College, Ototo beat Barchando 68-35 in a thrilling final.

Ototo (Homa Bay) have been grouped in Group B alongside rivals Barchando (Siaya), Kisii County's St Angela Sengera Girls Secondary School and Nyakach Girls High School from Kisumu County.

Homa Bay champions Asumbi Girls High School will headline Group A that also features Manga Girls High School (Nyamira), St Joseph Tuk Jowi Girls Secondary School from Migori County and Kisii County's Kereri High School.

Girls' handball regional defending champions Kakrao Secondary School (Migori) will face off with St Joseph Miranga Secondary School from Homa Bay County, Nyamira Girls High School (Siaya) and Omobera SDA Girls Secondary School from Kisii in Group A.