The Scorpions 'Musingu High' Stings Munyuki as Butere Girls Sinks ARC Bishop Njenga to Defend their Soccer Title

Western region KSSA soccer games wrapped up in a bang with high octane football being  displayed on the final day of championship. Sudi stadium (the home of NSL outfit, Nzoia Sugar Fc) was the battle ground for this epic encounters. Bukembe town  was brought to a standstill as the most soccer enthusiasts  filled the stadium to witness  the pulsating showdown of the greats. The buzzing of vuvuzelas...the whistle sounds...the snappy drumbeats catalysed the crowds to cheer their teams.

Schools from Kakamega county proved to be superior to the rest of schools from other counties within the Western region. Both soccer boys and soccer girls fainals pitted the schools from Kakamega county; Musingu vs Munyuki, Butere girls vs Arch Bishop Njenga. This was a repeat of Kakamega county KSSA soccer games finals that had already been squared out before at Mumias Sports Complex. In counties finals Musingu won on post penalities while Butere cruised past ABN with a 2-0 victory.

Musingu dunked the little known Munyuki Secondary school 2 -1 in the finals to book for a spot  in the nationals which will be held in Kisumu as from 27th July to 7th August  The Scorpions scored deep in the last minutes of the extra time through sublime a freek kick from  Amalemba Harrison to  seal their hard fought victory. Munyuki Secondary were the first side to find the back of the net before Musingu equalizing  immediately through a spot kick after Ashiundu was brought down inside the penalty area.

Munyuki Secondary performance at regional level was a surprise to many as no one expected them to go past the group stage. They were runners up in pool A having 5 points. They defeated Chavakali High 2 - 0, then registered 2 draws against 0-0 Kibabii and 1-1 against John Osogo. In semifinals, they eliminated the host Bukembe, 4-2 in post match penalties after a barren draw. Vurachi Delvin their goalkeeper saved to penalities to deny Bukembe from scoring.

The heavy weights, Musingu High under the stewardship of Mr Brendan Mwinamo  were the tournament favorites albeit they started the tournament on a low note but picked up as the competition progressed. They registered two draws in their first two matches, a barren draw against Ebwali Boys and a 2- 2 stalemate against Mabunge before overpowering Bukembe 2 - 1 in their a must win last match of the group stage. Their semifinal match was marred off drama. The match against Kibabii was abandoned in 16th minutes, after Benson Shikutwa was sent off for allegedly commiting a foul. This angered the Musingu fans who invaded the pitch protesting against the referee decision. The match could not continue as due to fans unrest. The match was rescheduled and played the following day in a neutral ground with no fans in attendance with the Musingu being forced to play the remaining minutes one man less. Against all odds, Musingu outplayed Kibabii high and won with a convincing 2- 0 victory courtesy of goals from Karamoja and their skilled forward Ashiundu .

The "Red commandos" once again outshined their county counterparts, Arch Bishop Njenga to walk away with bragging rights of the defending champions. The final was one of highly rated match as it turned out to be a mouthwatering clash. An end to end game with both sides showing rentless efforts in fainal third. The match ended with a score line of a four goal thriller, 2 - 2 before Christine Adhiambo turned out to be a heroine in penalty shootout, saving two penalities to guide her side to the regional glory by whipping ABN 4-2 in post match penalties. It's so unfortunate that it's only one team that qualifies for nationals, i would have loved to watch both teams ball in the national games. Arch Bishop Njenga and Butere girls have a pool of talents that delivers master class performance once they step on grass with the ball. Vida, Lorna Faith and Halima of Butere girls are gems while ABN has Elizabeth Mideva and Marion Serenge (guide Junior Starlets to UN 17 world cup)

The winners will be representing the the western region in national games as their quest to qualify for Eastern African games gears up. Both Musingu High and Butere girls are a force to reckon in the national games. They are likely going to cause havoc in the upcoming championships.

Photo credits: Tim Sande Facebook page