School games: Sirakaru dare basketball queens Butere Girls ahead of Western Region finals

Abigail Opicho (left) of Sirakaru Secondary School in action on June 23, 2025. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Bungoma County basketball girls' champions Sirakaru Salvation Army Secondary School are upbeat ahead of the 2025 Western Region Secondary School games set to kick off at St Peter's Mumias Boys High School in Mumias, Kakamega County.

After winning the 3x3 title twice at the county level, Sirakaru, led by forward Abigail Opicho, believe it is time to challenge heavyweights Butere Girls for the regional gong.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Opicho, who started playing basketball in 2023 when her school coach, Wycliffe Baraza, introduced the game, said she is ready to face off with the national term one basketball girls' champions.

"At first, I was just curious. But I started training more and fell in love with it," said Opicho.

"We have had good training sessions that have helped the team sharpen skills. We are united, confident and ready to strike. Butere has been beating us the past two years in the quarters and semis, but this year will be different," said Opicho.

Sirakaru coach Baraza added that he believes in the girls and they are ready for Chakol, Mukumu Girls and St Clare's in Group A.

"We are not celebrating anything yet. But we are hungrier for the regional title. We need to get to the nationals. All in all, I celebrate these talents and we need to nurture them," said Baraza.

In basketball boys', St Peter's Mumias will play Vihiga High School, Kibabii and Mundika in Group A, while Nyang'ori, Bungoma, Butula and Matunda clash in Group B.

Heavyweights Friends School Kamusinga headlines Group C alongside Kolanya, Kakamega High and Senende. Sigalame, Mukumu, Mudasa and Chesamisi are in Group D.