National football gong is ours, warns St.Peter’s Mumias

St.Peter’s Mumias is now focused to win national secondary school games football trophy this year after conquering the Western region with a convincing 2-1 win against Bungoma champions Kibabii High.

The Saints Principal and coach Cosmus Nabongolo, who has lifted an unprecedented 18 national trophies, has warned that all the competitors at the national games slated for next month in Kisumu should brace for a tough battle from his charges.

“Our top target is to win at the next level and represent the Country in Arusha (East and Central Africa).

“We have competed well and it is paramount to accept defeat and celebrate a win,” Nabongolo said on the final day of the school games- Friday.

St.Peter’s Mumias won all its fixtures except their opening match which they lost 1-2 to Vihiga county champions Ebwali High School at the just concluded regional games which were held in Bungoma county.

Prior to the regional contest, the Saints, as they are nicknamed, had shocked hosts and national champions Kakamega Green Commandos by thrashing them 3-0 in group stage opening match during the county stage at Kakamega High.

Nabongolo joined St Peters’ last year from St Antony’s Boys from Kitale who have also been at the pick of soccer in the nationals and have been long term rivals to dethroned western region champions Green Commandos.

Among the students he brought with him at the school to boost his football team’s lethargy are Cyprian Mang’eni, Mohammed Abeid, Raymond Odhiambo and Tiberius Wafula.

“I cherish for football so much. I love soccer so much. I played football and my family also played it. I am confident that we are capable of lifting the trophy at the nationals as we also put much effort in studies,” he roared.

Head coach and teacher Patrick Fundia has held that all the cards that they have on the table to use while in the national games will only be unfolded when the matches begin.

“The beautiful thing is that we are going to the nationals and our cards are hidden until the matches set off,” he revealed.

Saints left-back Somombwana Omar has echoed the sentiments of his Principal Nabongolo that they are only aiming to thrive at the nationals.

“We are going to represent our region very well by reaching the East and Central.”

Nyanza regional champions Barding High School, and Bishop Njenga head coach Fred Serenge have acknowledged the hand of God for the win after beating Bungoma’s Brenda Girls of Misikhu 3-0 in the girl’s category.

He has warned that come to the end of the year, his team is going to be much stronger than what it is.

“I only have 2 form fours and so I still have a stronger team to compete and win trophies. We now focus on winning the nationals.”