Kisumu Day ready to quench their thirst at Maseno School

Kisumu Day players during the KSSSA Term One games on March 24, 2024 in Kisumu. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Last year on March 24, dust filled the air at the Kisumu Day High School marram hockey grounds as fans danced in jubilation after the crowning of a new hockey champion.

Well, the fans celebrating would turn out to be what many hockey enthusiasts from the vast Nyanza region would expect.

It was shocking as favourites and heavyweights 'Yudhee', as they are commonly referred to, were silenced at their own backyard.

Our Lady of Mercy Ringa Boys from Homa Bay were celebrating winning the Nyanza Region hockey title for the first time. Barrack Chacha had scored in eight seconds to hand Ringa the title after the two sides played out to a 1-1 draw.

These images and pain are what Kisumu Day hockey coach Booker Odhiambo is using as a motivation to the boys to ensure that last year's disappointments would not replay yet again when the 2025 Kisumu County Secondary School games begin today at Maseno School.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Odhiambo said they are well prepared for this year's games and will not underrate any team.

"We were abit over confident last year. We had talented players who believed in themselves, but the shocker at the regionals has woken something in the team," said Odhiambo.

"We know we have to get past the county finals first and the goal for this year is to win a match at a time, no matter the score line," he added.

Kisumu Day will face off with Otieno Oyoo, Onjiko, Bar Korumba in Group A, while 2023 Nyanza Region champions and hosts Maseno School headline Group B consisting of Ngere, Nyabondo, and Kisumu Boys.

In girls' hockey, five-team East Africa hockey champions Sinyolo Girls will hope to put behind their poor show in the last four years and awaken the sleeping giant when they face off against Rae and Koru Girls in Group B.

Last year, Sinyolo did not go past the county level, a rare occurrence in the past decade. Defending champions Kisumu Girls, meanwhile, will hope to maintain their good run when they play Chemelil Academy, Ahero Girls, Huma Girls in Group A.

In rugby 15, last year's loosing finalists Otieno Oyoo High School believe they are now ready to dine with the big boys as they target to out heavyweights Maseno School.