Siaya women's handball team defeated their rival Bungoma to reclaim the golden title they last won in the 2023 competition in Meru County. The team retained the trophy after a tough game that was witnessed by CECM Health Dr. Martin K’Onyango, Director Health Ken Orwenjo, and Director Public Communication Chrispine Omondi. The team is part of the 18 teams that were flagged off by County Secretary Joseph Ogutu on Monday morning to attend the 11th Edition of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA). The Handball Captain Pauline Owegi said they thrashed Bungoma 8-4 to win women's handball gold in Kakamega. Siaya put its stamp on the match after leading 5-4 in the first half. The dominance continued in the next 30 minutes as Siaya scored another 3 to keep its heavy lead intact against Bungoma. The Siaya’s attack converted 75% of its shots, and Owegi led the team's scoring with 4 goals.
From the start, there was nothing to separate these two teams. When Siaya scored, Bungoma immediately responded with a goal, and vice versa. It was certainly an entertaining game for neutrals, but the match ended in the first half with 5-4. Siaya paraded a water-tight defense deterring Bungoma Commenting after the match, the team’s captain, Owegi, said resilience and hard work contributed to the excellent performance, adding that this is a fruitful season for her charges.
“We had the perfect defense, the best strategy that gave us a victory in a handball match,” added Owegi.
As the second half began, the situation remained unchanged, with no team securing a lead of more than two points. However, 3 quick goals in the last 15 minutes by Siaya’s Mary Sewe, Trizer, and Adda Nangoe gave Siaya an 8-4 lead to hang onto.
“The players have done well to lift the title for the second time. The team lifted the first trophy at last year's KICOSCA games. It has not been easy, but I give credit to the team for a fantastic fight right from the pool stage to the finals," said Owegi. “This was a tough game, and it is the Lord who strengthened us all through. We also thank Governor Orengo and all CECM’s and County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu together with the cheering squad led by Health Executive Konyango who stood by us,” added Owegi. This is an experienced side, and defending the tough Bungoma team to register a win against them is a major milestone for us,” said Owegi.
On her part, Elizabeth Oronga Ochogo, a member of the handball team, noted that Siaya is one county that registered zero malpractices and emerged the most disciplined team. She emphasized that the team's success was not an easy feat, but rather a result of their hard work, determination, and above all, their faith in God.
“Despite playing under harsh weather and very slippery fields during the semis, we’ve brought the trophy home,” added Ochogo.
Dr. K’Onyango lauded the handball coach for his achievement while also praising the entire team for their excellence.
The captain for the handball men, Isaiah Achila, equally praised their colleagues, assuring that next time they will display their skills even more. The handball team's ambitions of reaching quarters received a major blow after falling to Vihiga 22-14 in their 11th edition of KICOSCA. The captain admitted the match was difficult, contrary to their expectations.
“We as handball men, in our pooling we had 5 teams; one did not turn up, and so we had 4 teams. Achila said, "We managed to beat two teams, but one team defeated us." He, however, said with the experience gained, he expects the men to perform well in the near future.
In table tennis, Veenah Achieng’ Adero, from the Public Service Board, scooped the first position in the first leg of the games.
“The 2024 edition of the KICOSCA Games was an exciting experience, and I was proud to represent Siaya County in table tennis under the Single Ladies category. I successfully won my first-round match but could not proceed to the next round due to technicalities,” noted Adero.
However, she added that the event presented a significant opportunity for improvement. There is a continuous need to support table tennis players by providing adequate resources. With better facilities and support, she indicated that can foster more participation and success in this sport.
The Siaya Chess team (women) claimed the bronze medal after battling it out with 13 counties that registered for the 11th edition of the tournament ongoing in Kakamega County.
“Nairobi and Narok counties secured positions 1 and 2, respectively,” Eddie Ogola has said.
In the men’s category, the Siaya team emerged in position 3 out of 23 counties. Nairobi County was in position 1 and Kericho County in position 2.