Tala Open explodes with talent as schools battle for glory

Held at Tala High School in Matungulu Sub-County, the two-day tournament served as a vital preparatory platform for Term 2 school games, featuring spirited competition across eight sporting disciplines.

From soccer to lawn tennis, the tournament showcased both athletic talent and school pride, with students giving their all on the fields and courts.

The tournament featured matches in Soccer, Netball, Volleyball, Basketball 3x3, Rugby 7s, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Lawn Tennis.

Boys’ Soccer: Defensive Walls Stand Tall

The boys’ soccer matches opened with tightly contested fixtures, where defences dominated. The hosts, Tala Boys High School, were held to a goalless draw by Mission of Hope Secondary. That result set the tone for the rest of the boys’ fixtures, most of which ended in stalemates:

• Lukenya School 0 - 0 Kyamuthei Sec
• Mentors High School 0 - 0 Kisukioni
• Tala Boys 0 - 0 Kisukioni Boys
• Caring Hearts 0 - 1 Chipkeezy – the only match that produced a goal, handing Chipkeezy a narrow win.

Girls’ Soccer: Misyani Girls Shine Bright

In the girls’ category, Misyani Girls emerged as a force to reckon with, registering back-to-back wins:

• Misyani Girls 1 - 0 Kaani Lions
• Misyani Girls 2 - 0 Machakos Girls

Kinyui Girls also impressed with a 2-0 victory over Katwanyaa after an earlier goalless draw against Fr Heeran.

Basketball: Fierce Battles on the Court

Basketball 3x3 action brought high intensity and drama to the courts, especially in the boys' division:

• Tala A 18 - 0 Kyamuthei – a commanding start from the hosts
• Tala C 14 - 1 Kinyui Boys
• Caring Hearts 15 - 13 Tala B – one of the most thrilling contests
• Tala B 21 - 1 Kathithyamaa Sec – a dominant performance

In the girls’ division, Misyani Girls edged out Machakos Girls 7-6 in a closely fought game after both teams had earlier wins. Tala Girls crushed Fr Heeran 21-0, showcasing depth and dominance.

Daniel Mbai, the tournament coordinator, expressed pride in the tournament's growth, stating, “This is the 3rd edition, and the numbers are growing. Talent is being spotted, a boy from Tala High will even represent Kenya in the East African Games. It’s clear this platform is working.”

Justina Muema, Basketball Coach at Tala Girls, emphasised the importance of the tournament as a build-up event.

“Last year we were runners-up, but now we are well prepared to win. I urge more coaches to bring their teams. It’s an eye-opener and a great preparation tool,” Muema said.

Ngunga Muli, a KUPPET representative and tournament sponsor, praised the organisation and promised continued support. “As a union, we’ll stand with such events. They bring out the best in our students.”

As the curtains draw on this year’s edition, anticipation is high for the finals. With thrilling group-stage performances, especially from Misyani Girls and Tala A in basketball, the stage is set for a dramatic finish.

The Tala Open Tournament continues to cement its place as a premier grassroots sports event in Kenya’s school calendar. It combines preparation, passion, and purpose and, most importantly, gives young athletes the platform they deserve.