SCHOOLS: Big shots delight in shouts of victory in Nairobi

Fans cheer their team during Regional Nairobi secondary schools term two games held at Eastleigh High School, Nairobi on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

As expected, defending champions dominated day one of this year's Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nairobi Region Term Two games.

Holders Soweto Academy, Ruthimitu Mixed, Dagoretti High and Dagoretti Mixed triumphed in their respective group matches as the games got underway at different venues across Mathare Sub-County.

Girls' volleyball champions Soweto Academy were in a class of their own as they whitewashed their opponents to secure their last 16 slot.

Soweto beat St George's and Langata Barracks in straight sets to top Group A. Soweto captain Sharon Usolo said their aim is to perform better.

"We want to perform better than we did last year. Though our task at hand is to qualify for the national games, we will not lose sight of what our objective is. We are determined to excel and play in Africa," Usolo said.

St George's and Langata Barracks were a mismatch for Soweto who have dominated the region since 2016. They beat St George's 25-7, 25-3 and 25-6 before sealing a place in the knockouts with a 25-2, 25-6 and 25-1 win over Langata Barracks.

In Group B, last year's finalists Brownhill beat Ruaraka 3-0(25-7, 25-11, 25-9) to increase their chances of winning this year's title.

Boys' volleyball defending champions Ruthimitu Mixed announced their intentions to retain their title with a 3-0 (25-7, 25-8, 25-9) win over Woodly in Group A.

Ruthimitu, who are also the reigning national champions, are looking to bag their third straight regional title. In Group B, former national champions Hospital Hill beat Githurai Secondary School in straight sets of 25-10, 25-5 and 25-4.

Kibra Girls Soccer Academy's Jennifer Naliaka and Felister Naisimoi of Soweto Academy during Regional Nairobi secondary schools term two games held at Eastleigh High School, Nairobi on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In football, Dagoretti High launched their campaign with a 4-0 win against Loresho Secondary School. Joash Agega bagged a brace, while Wesley Ouma and Meshack Nyabuto put their names on the scoresheet in the 40th and 60th minutes for the resounding victory.

Former Nairobi champions Highway edged out Brownhill 1-0 in their opening match before defeating Jehova Jire 2-0 to seal their place in the knockouts.

Peter Mutua scored Highway's lone goal against Brownhill in the 42nd minute while Humphrey Aroko and Mohammed Hassan were on target against Jehova Jire.

Waylight also booked their place in today's round of 16 matches after beating Githurai Secondary and Genesis Joy by an identical score of 3-0.

In the girls' contest, holders Dagoretti Mixed showed no mercy to Embakasi Garrison, whipping them 6-0 in Group A. In another girls' encounter, Beth Mugo High School beat Starehe Girls 1-0.