St Anthony's Kitale won't let big win get into their heads

Shanderema Secondary School football team player Nixon Mutimi celebrates scoring against Khorof Secondary School. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard

8-0. That’s what the scoreboard read at the final whistle in the two opening boys’ football matches.

Hosts Shanderema Secondary School and St Anthony’s Boys Kitale were simply ruthless to their opponents.

They each scored eight goals in their respective football matches as the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national games kicked off in Kakamega.

Playing at Kakamega High School, St Anthony’s Kitale took Eastern champions Matiliku Boys through some football classes, winning 8-0.

David Wekesa gave the Rift Valley champions the lead in the opening 10 minutes before Adrine Kibet doubled the scores in the 20th minute.

Kibet made sure the Trans Nzoia County heavyweights went to the breather with a 3-0 goal advantage after netting his brace moments later.

In the final half, Joseph Omuse stretched the scores to 4-0 before Stanley Waswa scored two goals in a span of 10 minutes to lead 6-0.

Not a side to relent, the Kitale-based school made it 8-0 with Gregory Agesa and Alvin Kasavuli scoring later in the match.

Players follow proceedings during the opening ceremony during term two National secondary school ball games held at Kakamega high school on August 8. [Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]

Saint Anthony’s coach Peter Mayoyo said he is keen on going all the way to the final on Saturday and representing Kenya in East African School games.

“We have come here to win and nothing else. We are optimistic in reaching the finals and lifting the trophy because we have what it takes. What we are only going to improve on is our speed,” said Mayoyo.

The coach added that their secret in their successful sporting activities is the good infrastructure, discipline and maximum support from the administration.

“We have a good administration that is so supportive and that has led for the team to have a good infrastructure which has helped the team in training and keeping fit. “Our other secret card is that we do not recruit or scout our players from other schools, what we do is nurture young talents from primary school,” he said.

At Bukhungu Stadium, Western Region football champions Shanderema responded to Kitale’s first shot by also crushing North Eastern’s Khorof Harar 8-0. Shanderema coach Kevin Asuba said he is keen on ensuring the trophy remains in Western region.

“I have a good team despite our striker and scorer Mark Shaban having an injury. My boys have really tried and our main aim is to win the Saturday final match to represent the country,” said Asuba.

Action between Kinale Girls and Oyugi Ogango Girls during second term two National secondary school ball games held at Kakamega high school on August 8.[Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]

However, Asuba called on his players to remain careful with every opponent they come across in the games.

Khorof head coach Adan Noor said they will bounce back in their remaining games.

Elsewhere, Nairobi region big boys Dagoretti High School defeated Serani from Coast Region 1-0 as the pride of Nyanza Agoro Sare High School also kicked off the games with a 2-1 win over Kirangari from Central.

In rugby, defending champions Koyonzo Secondary School hit Bwake from Rift Valley 19-0 as Lenana School saw off Kiambu 14-5.

Two-time national rugby sevens champions Maseno School could not, however, walk their talk as they went down 36-5 against Vihiga.