SCHOOLS: Ng'iya Girls, Ageng'a Mixed, Kisumu Girls and Nyamira headline hockey

Ng'iya Girls hockey players pose for a photo after a past training session.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ng’iya Girls National School and Ageng’a Mixed Secondary School are poised to face off for the first time ever as Nyanza Region Secondary School Term One games begin on Wednesday.

In what promises to be an action-packed showcase of youthful talent and teamwork, this year’s four-day event will be co-hosted by Kisumu Day, Kisumu Boys, and Kisumu Girls High Schools.

Ng'iya Girls hockey players during tarining session.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The hockey fields will witness a historic moment as Ng'iya Girls return to the regionals after a hiatus of 30 years. The team, led by Coach Edwin Ogony, is prepared to take on Agen'ga, Amaiko, and Rae Girls in Group B. "

It’s been a long journey back here, but we’re back where we belong," states an elated Ogony. "We plan to take each game as it comes, focus on our strengths, and embrace the challenge head-on. This is an opportunity to show that our time away has been spent building a formidable team."

Ng'iya Girls hockey players pose for a photo after a past training session.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In Group A, the regional and defending East Africa and national hockey girls’ champions Nyamira Girls are poised to make a statement, with a line-up that includes Kisumu Girls and Andingo.

On the boys’ front, a new hockey champion is expected to emerge, as last year’s winners Maseno School have been dethroned at the county level.

Last year’s runners-up, Kisumu Day, however, are not resting on their laurels. Coach Booker Odhiambo shared, "Preparations have been intense. We've worked on our weak points and enhanced our strengths. The team has the quality, drive, and, most importantly, the unity to go all the way to the nationals and beyond."

Ageng'a Mixed Sceondary School in action during the Nyanza Region finals in Kisii last year.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The handball and basketball courts won’t be left out of the buzz, with the basketball girls’ groups featuring Asumbi, Nyakach, Mokomoni, and Tuk Jowi in Group A, and Ng'iya, Sengera, St. Barnabas, and Ototo in Group B.

The boys’ side promises excitement with Onjiko, Nyansiongo, Rapogi, and Ototo in Group A, while Group B sports Agoro Sare, Sawagongo, Nyanchwa, and Maseno.

In handball, the girls' teams from Miranga, Ikonge Girls, Nyamira, and Guu in Group A will show their prowess, while Ulanda, Nyakach Girls, Ndonyo, and Asumbi contend in Group B.

For the boys, Group A is formed by Manyatta, Menara, Yala, and Kisii County, with Group B comprising Mbita, Ikonge, Kanyamedha, and Kanyawanga.

Ng'iya Girls during a training session.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

As the countdown to the games ticks closer, the blend of excitement and anticipation is palpable across the Nyanza Region.

Students, coaches, and schools are not just preparing for matches; they are ready to write the next chapter of their stories, where every play is a line, every game a page, and every victory a milestone in their high school lore.

With the blend of seasoned champions and eager newcomers, the Nyanza Region Secondary School Term One games are set to be an unforgettable symphony of sporting excellence.

2024 Nyanza Region Secondary School games pooling

Basketball Girls

Group A: Asumbi, Nyakach, Mokomoni, Tuk Jowi

Group B: Ng'iya, Sengera, St. Barnabas, Ototo

Basketball Boys

Group A: Onjiko, Nyansiongo, Rapogi, Ototo

Group B: Agoro Sare, Sawagongo, Nyanchwa, Maseno

Handball Girls

Group A: Miranga, Ikonge Girls, Nyamira, Guu

Group B: Ulanda, Nyakach G., Ndonyo, Asumbi

Handball Boys

Group A: Manyatta, Menara, Yala, Kisii County

Group B: Mbita, Ikonge, Kanyamedha, Kanyawanga

Hockey Girls

Group A: Nyamira, Kisumu Girls, Andingo

Group B: Agen'ga, Amaiko, Rae Girls, Ng'iya

Hockey Boys

Group A: Kisumu Day, Cardinal Otunga, Ringa

Group B: Nduru, Kanga, Sawagongo, Ngere