SCHOOLS: Ng'iya Girls dare basketball queens Barchando ahead of Siaya County games tip off

Cecilia Atieno of Ng'iya Girls in action against Tuk Jowi.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya Girls National School is now ready to challenge heavyweights Nyamira Girls, Sega Girls and Barchando Girls in the Term One games this year after many years out in the cold.

Ngiya Girls, known for their strategic gameplay and strong team cohesion, have been rigorously preparing for the challenge ahead of the Siaya County Secondary School games.

Ng'iya Girls basketball team. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

They aim to showcase their skills and teamwork to not only win the county title but also make a significant impact at the regional level.

The former hockey heavyweights announced their arrival back to the hockey and basketball scene last year when they qualified for the county finals and national finals respectively after many years out.

Sheril Amondi of Ng'iya Girls.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya Girls hockey team made it to the Siaya County finals while their basketball 3x3 reached the nationals played in Kakamega.

Ng'iya Girls coach Naftali Ambala.[Washington Onyango, Standard]

Speaking to Standard Sports, Ng’iya Girls basketball coach Naftali Ambala said they are drawing inspiration from their 3x3 feat last year, targeting to channel the same energy to the 5x5 this term.

Ambala said their goal is to get to the Nyanza Regional finals and dethrone the defending champions Barchando Girls.

Ng'iya Girls Principal Hellen Juma (far right) poses for a photo with her players and ICT CS Eliud Owalo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya defeated Barchando over the weekend in Kisumu during one of their build up matches preparing for the school games.

“We have been preparing to take over the girls’ basketball since last year. With the help of our able Principal Hellen Juma who has been supporting us since she joined the school last year, we have been able to get the necessary equipment, facilities and time to build a team,” said Amabala.

“Barchando Girls have been at the forefront of basketball in Siaya but we want to take the challenge much higher. We have played them recently and defeated them. All we need to do is keep our heads high and go to the finals with even much hunger and determination.”

Ng'iya Girls train ahead of Siaya County finals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya Girls are in Group B alongside Rangala Girls, Nyamira Girls and Lwak Girls while defending champions Barchando headlines Group A that consists of Nyagondo and Usinda.

In basketball boy’s Usenge, Nyagondo, Chianda and Ugenya will face off in Group A while Ambira, Barding, Sawagongo and Maranda battle in Group B.

Tracy Sally of Ng'iya Girls (center) in action against Tuk Jowi.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

SIAYA COUNTY GAMES POOLS

BASKETBALL BOYS

Group A-Usenge, Nyagondo, Chianda, Ugenya

Group B-Ambira, Barding, Sawagongo, Maranda

BASKETBALL GIRLS

Group A-Barchando, Nyagondo, Usinda 

Group B-Ng’iya, Rangala Girls, Lwak, Nyamira Girls