Kakamega High School’s storied football team, the Green Commandos, is on a determined path to reclaim its former glory in this year’s Term Two games. Head coach Hesbon Nyabinge, who has witnessed the team’s highs and lows, is optimistic about the future despite recent challenges.
Last year marked a low point for the Commandos as they were ousted at the county level by emerging rivals Musingu School. Coach Nyabinge attributed this setback to a significant change in school management, which disrupted the team’s longstanding dominance. “We are in a transition period, and for sure, we are trying to do some development to get results. The moment you see a change in the management, it might affect the progress. We have a new principal at the moment, and it’s our hope we will bounce back to those levels where football was at Kakamega High,” Nyabinge stated.
Nyabinge emphasized the importance of proper planning and ensuring players’ ages are accurately represented in tournaments. “The thing that will help for these tournaments is to plan well when it comes to the age of the players. If you look at the current age, there is this NEMIS system for schools, so age cheating will decrease. If you get the right age for these secondary school ball games, then for National U15, U20, we will get good players who will be competing at the right age,” he added.
In the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) competition, the Commandos have showcased their prowess by winning all their matches from the zonal level. They delivered a spectacular performance by defeating Mwiyala Secondary 4-0 in the zonal final held last Sunday, securing their spot in the county finals. Goals from Clement Kavere, Jeremiah Omar, Julius Ochieng, and Mailes Chira sealed their victory, crowning Kakamega High as the Kakamega Central Sub-County champions.
“As Green Commandos, our goal is to reach the Nationals. If you look at how we are playing, we have improved from friendlies, zonals, and even the Kakamega Central sub-county,” Nyabinge noted. “Our wish is to bring back the old glory of Kakamega High. Heading to the County stage, the most important thing is to tackle each game one by one. We won’t underestimate any team. The key is preparation. If you prepare well, the chances of winning are high.”
This year’s edition of the competition is a crucial one for the Green Commandos. With proper planning, dedication, and a focus on player development, they aim to deliver top-notch performances that will enhance their prospects of advancing further in the tournament. As they head into the county finals, all eyes will be on Kakamega High to see if they can rise to the occasion and reestablish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan school football.
