Kisumu County has clinched a 66-20 win against Bungoma County in the basketball duel at the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) which is currently on at Kericho County.
The win has propelled them to book space for the finals of which they are optimistic to win.
The table tennis team will soon be locked in a tussle with Narok in the semi -finals after thrashing Samburu 3-1 in the quarter finals
The tennis coach Mr. Antony Onyango says he is upbeat of the victory.
Elizabeth Kakai of Kisumu ( blue Jersey) scores a basket during their match against Bungoma in their Semi- finals
Kisumu basketball team dribbling the basket ball to the finals
Today, Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o affirmed his support aimed at nurturing sporting talent among the youth and empowering them to harness their potential.
“As a county we congratulate Manyatta United once again for their well-deserved victory in the National Chapa Dimba tournament that saw them being crowned as the national champions after beating Rift Valley Al – Ahly 2 – 1” said the Governor
He also lauded the Manyatta United for their sterling performance at the Nyanza Regional Chapa Dimba that earned the runners up position. Both teams having being drawn from Manyatta Youth Resource Centre under the stewardship of Antony Oballah.
“Strengthening sports industry through adequate resource mobilization and infrastructure development is a key to ensuring youths excel in sports and earn a decent living. It’s in the same breathe that we are calling like-minded corporate bodies and individuals to join us in our bid to put up an ultra-modern sporting complex at the Moi Stadium grounds” he acknowledged.
Kisumu Governor thanked Safaricom for sponsoring such tournaments and taking the boys from Manyatta United to Spain for football training. Such initiatives develop the youths to exploit their full potential including joining the ranks of professional sportsmen and women.
Manyatta United both boys and girls football teams presenting to the Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Deputy Dr. Ochieng’ Owili their earned Trophies following their crowning as the National Chapa Dimba winners and Nyanza Region Runners up respectively at the Governor’s office.
Trophies earned by Manyatta United team for both Girls and Boys
The directorate of sports issued sports gears towards the development of sporting activities in Kolwa East ward.
The Ag. Director for sports, Mr. Ken Otieno gave out Uniforms, footballs and shoes to the ward administrator, Ms. Dorothy Okumu. This has been made possible through the county ward development program and as a result of teamwork between the ward administrators and the members of County Assembly to boost sports activities.
The ward development program is in line with Governor Nyong’os manifesto and ten-point agenda which includes promotion of sports, skills development and innovation with the aim of nurturing and identifying talents among youths within the county.
Kolwa East ward is one of the beneficiaries of the ward development program in sports. Other wards including Nyalenda, Milimani market, Kaloleni Shaurimoyo, Kolwa Central, Kisumu West have so far benefited. Next in line are North Nyakach and Kajulu wards.
According to sports officer Mr. George Ouma, the directorate has also purchased sports gears towards the ‘Mpira Mashinani’ tournaments and are currently being issued to sports clubs within Kisumu such as Manyatta youth club, Ahero football club and Kajulu football club.
“This has been beneficial to the youths because they get exposure, job opportunities and it boosts young upcoming sports clubs within the wards,” said Mr. Ouma.
By Beatrice Akinyi
Ag Dirctor Sports, Mr Ken Otieno (left) presents sports gears to Kolwa East Ward Administrator Ms Dorothy Okumu (right) ( Picture by Jacob Owiti)
It is a dream come true for Kisumu All Stars having secured their elevation to the Kenya’s Sportpesa Premier League come next season following a victorious defeat over Thika United on Sunday the 9th of June at Thika Stadium, Kiambu County.
The Blue Eagles led by Coach Frank Oduor finished second with 80 points in the National Super League table, just one point behind the leading team Wazito FC after thrashing the relegated Thika United 7: 1.
The team came close to scoring in the second minute by Erick Otieno, and Ian Motanda netting hat rick together with Moses Odhiambo and Alvin Ochieng also scoring.
The promotion represents the bigger prize, as well a worthy reward for the Blue Eagles and Kisumu County as a whole for having another second home team after the 2010 relegated original Kisumu all stars participating in the high and competitive Premier League alongside their counterparts Western Stima.
All Stars will be participants of the Sportpesa league with the likes of the top league Champions Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks, setting another record by putting Kisumu County in the football limelight.
Following their (Blue Eagles) glory to the top league football, County government which offers financial support to the team, and their sponsors (Royal Dental Clinic) will now focus to build up a more promising Allstars club that they believe will dominate the premier league.
By Vello Wendo
Kisumu Allstars celebrates their win against Thika United (GPU)