With champs Ebwali out in the cold, Western set to crown new football kings

Last year's national schools boys' football champions Ebwali from Western. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

It is hard for local fans to believe that national football champions Ebwali Secondary School and giants Green Commandos of Kakamega High School are out of this year's Term Two school games.

After being reduced from conquerors to spectators, a new football kingpin will be crowned this week when the Western region secondary school games kick off on Thursday at Kakamega High School.

While fans are still reeling from the pain of losing two giants, Musingu School are plotting to fill the vacuum.

The new Kakamega County football champions will be out to extend their dominance after edging out Shanderema 2-1 earlier this month.

Shanderema Boys sing before their match against Kakamega High.[Courtesy]

Musingu High School coach Brendan Mwinamo said he won't change his tactics at the regionals but are looking forward to play better than they did at the county games.

"We are working on bringing the trophy back to Kakamega and the entire Western region. We are going to improve on our speed, mental and physical fitness. My boys are not that physical, but as a coach, you have to read the mind and the game of your opponent," said Mwinamo.

"Regionals is a totally different level and I expect my team to raise their level of play because we have come from far and our target is to qualify for the nationals. We have rectified some of our mistakes and now we take each game at a time."

Shanderema, who sent early warning shots at the county games when they defeated Kakamega High 1-0 in the group stage before proceeding to finish runner-up, will headline Group B alongside Emusire, Friends Lukhuna, and John Osogo.

In girls' football, Kakamega County champions Archbishop Njenga are in Group B where they will face off with Madira, MGK, and St Joseph Chakol.

Butere Girls are in Group A alongside Ibubi, Brenda, Katakwa.