In a thrilling encounter at the Junior Secondary Schools Soccer Bonanza held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, Siaya County's Karapul Junior Secondary School triumphed over Kisumu Nyabondo Junior Secondary School with a 1-0 victory, securing their place in the finals.
Today's semi-finals featured sixteen teams. The junior boys' matches included Migori versus Kisii and Siaya versus Kisumu. Concurrently, girls' teams competed in volleyball, handball, netball, and football at Mulaha Primary School and Siaya National Polytechnic.
In the finals, Karapul boys will face Anindo from Migori, while Otendo from Kisii will compete against Sinaga from Siaya in the girls' category.The overall winners will advance to the National Championships in Kakamega County next month. Should Karapul defeat Anindo, they stand a strong chance of representing the region.
In the boys’ final, Anindo Junior Secondary School from Migori County secured a 2-0 victory over Karapul Junior Secondary School from Siaya County. Anindo earned their spot in the final with a 2-0 semifinal win against Orogare JSS from Kisii, showcasing speed and sharp attacking play. Karapul, who advanced after a 1-0 semifinal victory over Nyabondo JSS from Kisumu, displayed notable discipline and resilience. The girls’ final saw Sinaga JSS from Siaya County clinch a 1-0 win against Otendo JSS from Kisii County. Sinaga’s consistent performance and solid defense proved decisive. Despite Otendo’s strong teamwork in the semifinals, led by their focused young captain, they couldn’t penetrate Sinaga’s defensive line.
County leaders demonstrated strong support for the event. Governor James Orengo he played a key role by donating trophies for the winning teams, highlighting his commitment to youth empowerment and talent development. Representing him was County Secretary Joseph Ogutu.
Yesterday, Governor James Orengo provided foodstuffs, drinks, water, and financial support to ensure the event's success. At a packed, state-of-the-art stadium, CECM for Tourism, Sports, Culture and Arts, Madam Angeline Oduor, accompanied by her Chief Officer Madam Judith Oyugi delivered the Governor’s message.
Madam Oduor pledged full county support, highlighting Governor Orengo’s strategic plan, including the Nyalore Blueprint and County Integrated Development Plans, which address infrastructural gaps in sports and culture. The blueprint aims to develop modern stadiums and playgrounds across the county, fostering informal employment through sports academies and training.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, named after the revered opposition leader, Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in an event presided over by President William Ruto, his Ugandan counterpart, Gen. Yoweri Museveni and Former Prime Minister Rt Hon Raila Odinga.
Governor Orengo’s Nyalore Blueprint prioritizes sports, skills, and talent development among Siaya’s youth, promoting employment through football academies and cultural infrastructure.
Last year, Siaya hosted the Piny Luo Cultural Extravaganza at Migwena Stadium, a key facility under the Nyalore administration. Other notable sites include the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, gazetted as a tourist attraction, enhancing cultural interactions and coexistence with neighboring counties.
The County Government continues to promote youth skills and talents, reducing unemployment through sports and cultural infrastructure development across its seven sub-counties.Young athletes from the six Nyanza counties brought their regions together, showcasing talent, building camaraderie, and creating lasting memories.
Today’s semi-finalists advanced to the finals, with winners set to represent Nyanza at the National Championships in Kakamega next month. Mr. Joseph Ogutu officially flagged off the event, including girls’ competitions at Mulaha and Siaya National Polytechnic.
In attendance were County Executive Committee Members Dr. Edgar Otumba (Education, Gender , Youth Affairs and Social Services) Madam Angeline Oduor ( , Tourism , Sports, Culture and Arts) Chief Officers led by Hon. Walter Okelo (Governance, Administration and ICT), Mrs. Judy Oyugi ( Tourism, Sports, Culture and Arts) Siaya Township MCA Hon. James Otare, East Asembo Ward MCA Hon. Gordon Onguru, and KFF official Collins Kalee.