Western School Games: 'Eagles' Shanderema claw Musingu in final

Little known Shanderema Secondary School completed a remarkable Western Region Secondary School Games Term Two Games on Saturday by clinching the football title.

The Eagles pulled off a shock 3-0 victory over the four-time national champions Musingu Boys' High School in the final played at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.

Captain Mark Shaban put in a memorable shift capped with a goal and an assist for Dismas Barasa while Simon Masinza was also on target.

Musingu had beaten Lukhuna Secondary School 4-0 in Friday’s semis played at the same venue while Shanderema edged Kibabii Boys’ High School 1-0 in the other last four clash at Kakamega Approved Secondary School.

Shanderema, who lost 1-0 to Musingu in the Kakamega County final, got off to a bright start on the day when Masinza struck inside just five minutes.

Shaban then scored on the stroke of half time as the Eagles led 2-0 into the break. They missed from the spot in the 57th minute after Musingu were penalized for a foul on Barasa inside the box.

That penalty miss was quickly forgotten as Barasa latched on to Barasa’s through ball and put it away for the third.

Shanderema assistant coach Gilbert Omollo thank his charges for their bravery and execution as he celebrated the win.

“We thank God for helping us win this tough match. After they beat us in the County Games, we went back to the drawing board and rectified our mistakes and that has paid off today,” Omollo said.

Musingu coach Brendan Mwinamo was gracious in defeat, accepted the result and paying tribute to their opponents.

“That's the nature of sports; you win some and lose some. I wish Shanderema success in their games. They have my blessings,” Mwinamo said.

In the corresponding girls’ final, Butere Girls also from Kakamega County defeated Madira Girls from Vihiga County 1-0.

Bukhokolo were crowned western regional champions after seeing off Bumala girls 41-37 on the final.  

Mwitoti are the new volleyball girls’ western regional champion after beating Lugulu Girls in a five-setter.

National champions Koyonzo Boys won the rugby sevens title after overpowering Vihiga High 19-7 in the final played at the Kakamega Bull Ring.