Barding edge Kisumu Day to return to national arena

The finals were marred with controversies. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

Barding High School are the new Nyanza Region Secondary School football champions.

The Siaya County giants were crowned the 2019 champions after edging out a 10-man Kisumu Day 2-0 in a thrilling boys Under-19 finals played at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu over the weekend.

The finals were marred with controversies after St. Charles Lwanga Gesero were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in the hotly contested semifinals against Kisumu Day. St. Charles had won 5-3 in penalties after 1-1 draw in regular time.

However, Barding ensured they prevailed regardless of the opponent in the final and their captain Sunday Ochieng’s two extra-time goals were enough to seal the victory and a comeback for the 2016 champions in the national games after missing last years edition.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Barding head coach Wellington Murwayi said he was happy his team was back at the nationals.

“This victory is s result of hard work and dedication in the past two years. Congratulations to the boys,” Murwayi said.

“Our journey has been of ups and downs, but I am happy with the progress of both the junior and senior teams. This victory will boost the team ahead of the nationals next month with our aim being able to win the East Africa title once again,” he said.

In the girl’s category, Nyakach Girls were too good for Gesero after goals from Chepkirui Ivy, Mercy Akoth and Aoko Lanoline saw them record a 4-0 win to reclaim the crown they last won in 2016.

In the Copa U16 category, Maseno went down 1-0 to Agoro Sare while Ugari dethroned Kobala in the girls’ final.

Nyakach then made it two titles in a row after narrowly edging out Kobala Girls 27-23 in the netball finals.

In Volleyball, defending champions Mogonga whipped St Joseph’s 3-0 in straight sets to retain their crown while Siaya County giants Sega Girls dethroned Nyakach Girls by a similar score.