SCHOOLS: Who will be the last man standing in football contest?

Kisumu Day's Dan Omalla (left) battles for the ball against Agoro Sare during the Nyanza Regional finals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

When old kings fall, new heroes arise.

The Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national Term Two football finals will give birth to new champions next week after a thrilling turn of events following the exit of the reigning champions, Ebwali, from the national football scene.

Three formidable contenders; St. Anthony's Boys Kitale, Dagoretti High School, and Agoro Sare High School, have emerged from the shadows, each determined to etch their name in the annals of sporting history.

The three teams have all set their sights on the prestigious national football title, setting stage for an exhilarating showdown that promises to redefine the landscape of Kenyan school football.

Well, you cannot rule out new Western region football kings Friends School Shanderema and Serani Boys from Coast.

With Ebwali's departure creating a power vacuum at the top, the three aspiring powerhouses have spared no effort in preparing for this ultimate clash of skill, determination, and teamwork.

The departure of a dominant force like Ebwali has not only fueled the dreams of these teams but has also added an air of unpredictability to the upcoming championship, making it a season that fans across the nation eagerly anticipate.

St Anthony's Boys Kitale celebrate after a past win.[Courtesy,Facebook]

St. Anthony's Kitale, renowned for their relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the pitch, boasts a rich footballing tradition that spans generations.

The five-time national champion's impressive track record, combined with their unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent, has positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.

Their players, driven by the desire to uphold the legacy of their predecessors, are taking no chance in their quest for national glory.

Pooled alongside Nairobi heavyweights Dagoretti High in Group B, which also has Matiliku Boys and Serani, St Anthony's coach Peter Mayoyo said they want to reclaim the title they last won in 2019.

“We have been training through playing friendly matches against local sides and these friendlies have enables us rectify some of our mistakes and also improved the team in terms of maturity and mental preparedness,” said Mayoyo.

The multiple-time Trans Nzoia County football champions are aiming to qualify for the East Africa games.

“Our main goal is qualify for the East Africa championships. We know it is a dream of every team but we are different and have set the bar higher. We know it won’t be easy but we have to play our best football to get there,” said Mayoyo.

Highway High School Gabriel Smut (left) and Dismus Ongoche of Dagoreti mixed during Term 2 Games, Nairobi Region at Moi Girls School Nairobi. July 18, 2023.[Jonah Onyango]

Dagoretti High, on the other hand, bring a unique blend of tenacity and innovation to the footballing arena.

Known for their strategic game-play and tactical prowess, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional football norms. Their progressive approach, often catching opponents off guard, has earned them a reputation as a team that can rise to any challenge.

Meanwhile, Agoro Sare emerges as the dark horse in this high-stakes race. Relatively less known on the national scene, Agoro Sare have been silently honing their skills, building a closely-knit team that thrives on the underdog spirit.

Their rise through the ranks has been marked by a relentless work ethic and a hunger to prove their mettle on the grandest stage of school football.

Despite this being their first time to qualify for the national finals, Agoro Sare Principal Isaac Okeyo believes they have what it takes to compete at the nationals after toppling Kisumu Day 7-6 on post-match penalties during the Nyanza Region football finals two weeks ago.

As countdown to the championship intensifies, Okeyo is rallying his players, coaching staff, and the entire school community to unite behind a common goal – to bring home the coveted national football trophy.

Agoro Sare Principal Isaack Okeyo (center) lifts the Nyanza Region football title with his students, teachers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Principal Okeyo, known for his unwavering support for sports development within the school, has emphasised the importance of teamwork, discipline, and dedication in the lead-up to the finals.

"We are not just competing; we are aiming at winning," Principal Okeyo said. "Our players have demonstrated incredible skill, resilience, and passion throughout the season, and now is the time for them to showcase their capabilities on the grandest stage."

“We are not only chasing a title, but also setting an example for determination and sportsmanship. Our players have the chance to make history and etch their names in the records of Agoro Sare's sporting achievements."

The void left by Ebwali's departure has not only opened up opportunities for new champions but has also set the stage for a footballing saga that promises to capture the hearts of fans nationwide.

With St. Anthony's Kitale, Dagoretti High, and Agoro Sare all gearing up for a showdown of epic proportions, the race for the national football title is about to reach feverpitch, leaving fans eager to witness history in the making.

KSSSA National football pools

Girls

Group A-Butere Girls, Njabini, Dagoretti Secondary, Kombani

Group B-Madira Girls, Lwak Girls, Wiyeta, Mbitini Girls

Boys

Group A-Agoro Sare, Shanderema, Kirangari, North Eastern

Group B-St Anthony’s Kitale, Dagoretti High, Matiliku Boys, Serani