New champions crowned IN KISUMU: Metropolitan, Coastal Region schools rule air waves

Laiser Hill Academy of Metropolitan and St John’s Kaloleni of Coastal Region are the new Airtel Rising Stars Term 2B secondary schools games boys and girls champions. Laiser Hill silenced homeboys Barding 3-1 in post-match penalties while St John's humbled eight-time winners Wiyeta of Nzoia 3-1 to ascend to glory. Barding and Laiser Hill had played to a 1-1 draw in extra time forcing the winner to be decided on penalties.

Laiser Hill will have their number two goalkeeper Franklin Otieno to thank for saving three penalties to deny Barding their maiden gong to the displeasure of the fans who were supporting Barding.

The Kajiado County students braved the cheering sounds of Barding fans to come from behind to level scores and stretch their hosts to extra time and win their first ever crown on penalties. Evans Mutuse, John Macharia and Chris Owino converted for Laiser while Peter Kinyanjui’s shot went over the cross-bar. Benjamin Ojiambo scored for Barding while Otieno saved Arnold Onyango, Clement Okiring and Keagan Ndemi’s shots to give his side the trophy.

True to his word, Laiser Hill captain David ‘Messi’ Owino ensured that his side left Kisumu as champions amid the huge support their opponents enjoyed.

Owino told Feverpitch they had resolved to keep their eyes on the prize and refused to be cowed by home fans. "We were determined to win this year and nothing could stop us. Our eyes were on the ultimate prize and not even the large crowds and huge support our opponents enjoyed could get on our way. We knew the only way to deal with the fans was to concentrate on the match and avoid being part of what was happening off the pitch and I'm glad our strategy worked,’’ Owino said.

The first half was tightly contested with both sides playing offensively and defensively as they sought an early lead as well as avoid conceding. Barding seemed to have found their match as all their efforts were thwarted by a vigilant Laiser defence. All efforts to take the lead were fruitless for both teams as the first half ended on a barren draw. Upon resumption coach George Owoko’s peptalk proved effective as Ibrahim Mohamed put ahead Barding in the 46th minute.

That goal did not dampen Laiser Hill who refused to go down easily. Their efforts paid off with a Geoffrey Kuna 83rd minute equaliser forcing the match to go into extra time that also ended without a goal.

In girls final, new queens St John’s Kaloleni had the last laugh after dethroning bitter rivals Wiyeta. Elizabeth Katungwa starred for the Coastal girls scoring a brace in the 46th and 55th minutes while Hadima Nuru found the back of the net in the 20th minute for the champions. Stellah Anyango scored Wiyeta’s consolation goal in the 36th minute. An elated St John’s captain Mwanahamila Adams said it was through hard work, determination, teamwork and desire to excel that earned them the trophy. "Nothing good comes easy. We all wanted this trophy,’’ Adams said. Nginda Girls beat Nyakach 4-3 while Passenga beat Bukembe 3-2 in post match penalties to win the girls and boys third place playoffs respectively.