Kisumu Day train sights on national title

Airtel Rising Stars Lake region secondary schools Term Two ‘B’ games football champions Kisumu Day have set their sights on winning the national title.

Kisumu came agonisingly close to lifting the gong last year but were denied by a last-gasp Alphonse Ndonye penalty that gave Kakamega High School, popularly known as The Green Commandos, their historic 11th title after a 1-0 win during the nationals at Bukhungu Stadium.

But Kisumu Day have another chance to triumph after successfully defending their regional title when they pipped Barding High 1-0 at Kiandege Secondary in Nyamira on Saturday.

Kisumu coach Dan Otieno told Nation Sport he is confident his players have the already put behind the painful loss and will go all the way to claim the top honours during the finals set for Machakos County.

“We suffered a painful loss to Kakamega but we have put our house in order. I have a great and experienced squad to challenge for honours,” he said.

“We are not just preparing for Kakamega but a competition of great stature.”

Otieno will look upon the likes of Dennis Ochieng to continue with his impressive goal-scoring form after finishing as the top scorer at the regionals with ten goals.

Others include goalkeeper Mathews Ogada, who was voted Most Valuable Player in the nationals last year, and Muhoroni Youth teenager Thomas Ayidi to push his title assault.

“The next stage is challenging because you meet the best from the regions. We want to perform better than last year and leave a positive mark. That’s only achievable if we have prepare adequately and get everyone ready,” added Otieno.

The winner of the tournament will represent the country in the East Africa secondary school games championship set for Rwanda mid next month.