Sinyolo, Kisii off the hook as Barding set to miss 2020 school games

Former East Africa Secondary Schools hockey girl’s champions Sinyolo Girls High School and Kisii School have been allowed to take part in 2020 Term 1 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games.

Kisumu County’s Sinyolo Girls was suspended from participating in girls’ hockey after they fielded a player from Kerugoya Girls who had had not met the 90 days’ rule during last year’s regional games at Homa Bay School and were subsequently suspended and then banned.

The same went to Kisii School rugby team fielded ineligible players.

However, Nyanza Regional Director of Education Limo Chepkawai acquitted the two schools after conducting investigations.

According to letters sent to the respective principals, the one-year ban on the coaches and games teachers was also lifted.

“Given the year's activities of 2020 begin in January/February, it is prudent and fair that your school should be allowed to participate in the activities full length as the ban targeted activities for 2019 irrespective of the month of the ban.”

“You are asked to prepare your teams and participate in all activities scheduled for 2020,” said Chepkawai in his letter.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Sinyolo Girls Principal Hellen Juma welcomed the decision of the Ministry of Education and said they are devoted to competitively participate in the Term One games.

“We are very happy with the decision especially after last year’s disappointments which really affected the girls. But now we can focus to giving our best performance in the games,” she said.

Sinyolo head coach Aloice Owino echoed the principal’s sentiments saying they are looking to get back to the nationals after missing for the past two years.

“Our target definitely is to get back to the national games. This is our sole goal and ambition and therefore we are going to give our best and also be keen on ensuring we don’t break any rules.”

“The journey will start next month during the Kisumu County Term 1 games which we are looking forward win and progress to the regional games,” Owino said.

However, the two-year bans on former East Africa secondary schools under 19 football champions Barding High School and little-known Simbi football teams still remain. The same goes for Kisii County under 19 champions Gesero Mixed secondary.