This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Published on July 30, 2019, the battle for the Coca-Cola Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) boys under 19 football title has begun in Kisumu. The Term Two games kicked off at different venues in the city on Tuesday.
Defending champions Kakamega High School, who lost at the county level during the Western region games, are out of the running. This leaves the Under 19 trophy up for grabs.
St Anthony's boys Kitale and Dagoretti High School, whose players form the bulk of the national Under 20 and 17 teams, are clear favourites to win the title.
St Anthony's, who are in pool A, will face Shimba Hills from the Coast in the championships' opening match at Moi Stadium, Kisumu. The team's coach, Peter Mayoyo, is confident of a win, citing the team's experience in national competitions.
Mayoyo, who has won several National Secondary schools football titles with Mombasa High, believes he has enough knowledge of the composition and style of play of his opponents. He pointed out that the team has several players who have represented the country in international competitions, including the Kenya Under 17 youth team that won the Copa Coca-Cola African championships in Nakuru last year.
Issa Lumumba, Christopher Raila, Dan Odhiambo, and Geofrey Onjwati are the four players who were part of the Kenya Under 20 team, while Issa Emuria, Basi Salim, and Jacob Onyango were instrumental in the Under 17 team's success.
Shimba Hills' coach, Daniel Mulei, believes it will not be an easy match and has promised to give their opponents some difficult moments. He pointed out that the team's striking force of Omar Yahya, Said Msaji, and Omar Kadir will give their opponents nightmares.
Dagoretti High School will be relying on Kenya Under 20 stars Bonface 'Marcelo' Mwangemi and Derrick Omondi for the much-needed win in their opening match against Mbooni Secondary. The team's technical advisor, Peter Orero, believes they should be the team to beat, especially with the galaxy of stars in their lineup.
However, Dagoretti High will have to worry about home team Kisumu Day, whose coach, Booker Agutu Odhiambo, has promised fireworks. Kisumu Day, who replaced Barding Secondary after they were disqualified for fielding ineligible players, is expected to enjoy home support.
