St Anthony’s Kitale, the reigning National Secondary Schools boys’ soccer champions, is gearing up to defend their title at the 11th edition of the Yala Invitational tournament. The event is set to take place at St Mary’s School, Yala, in Siaya County this weekend. The tournament coordinator, Kenneth Mukok, has confirmed the participation of St Anthony’s Kitale, highlighting their role as defending champions.
Tournament Details
The Yala Invitational tournament will be a multi-sport event featuring rugby 7s, rugby 15s, basketball (5×5 and 3×3), hockey, soccer (under 19 and 16), volleyball, handball, and racquet games for both boys and girls. Participating teams are required to pay an entry fee of Sh2,500, while students participating in racquet games will contribute Sh400. Trophies and certificates will be awarded to the winners.
Strong Competition
St Anthony’s Kitale is expected to face strong competition from notable teams, including former national champions Kakamega High School, multiple Nyanza champions Kisumu Day, former Western region champions Ebwali, St Peter’s Mumias, and Siaya County’s Ambira. The competition promises to be fierce, especially in soccer and rugby, with national and regional powerhouses confirming their participation.
Rugby Powerhouses
In the rugby category, strong teams such as national 7’s champions Koyonzo, Maseno School, Nyabondo, Vihiga High, Chavakali, St Peter’s Mumias, Kotolo, Friends School Kamusinga, and St Anthony’s Kitale will be battling for supremacy. Koyonzo, having won both rugby 7s and 15s titles in the previous year, is expected to be a formidable force.
Basketball Competition
Onjiko School, a two-time Nyanza region basketball champion, will be participating in the basketball category, facing tough competition from last year’s winners, Sigalame.
High Expectations
Kenneth Mukok expressed high expectations for the tournament, anticipating a highly competitive event. More than 30 schools and institutions have already confirmed their participation, with the possibility of additional teams confirming before the start of the tournament. Mukok emphasized the significance of the event as teams use it to gauge themselves against the best in preparation for upcoming national and regional tournaments.
Coaching and Refereeing Course
Simultaneously, the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Western region coaching and refereeing course will be held at St Peter’s Mumias. The training, covering various sports, aims to equip coaches and referees with current techniques and rule changes. The course, which requires a fee of Sh2,500 for certification, facilitation, and training materials, is part of the preparation for the 2024 co-curricular activities.