Vihiga's Emusire Boys eye strong return to KSSSA Term Two games

Emusire Boys High School in Vihiga County soccer team is working on a formula to mount a strong campaign at the Zonals of the Term Two Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games set to be staged from May 17-24, 2025.

Coach Billy Aluda says poor preparations in previous years have sent the once football giant into oblivion, but he is optimistic this year could mark a turning point for Box 14 FC.

“We last featured in Western football regional championships in Kakamega in 2023 where we exited the competitions after two losses. Last year, luck wasn't on our side hence the reigning Vihiga County football champions Ebwali edged us out on a 1-0 scoreline in the semi-finals played at Mumboha,” Aluda said.

As part of their new strategy, Emusire's team—Box 14 FC—has joined the Vihiga County FKF League to gain valuable match experience before the national school games.

“I am hopeful that this time round, fate will be on our side hence the decision to join the County league to help my players gain the required exposure before their Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association campaign next month,” he added.

He believes the rise and rise of Ebwali, a perceived underdog in the secondary school soccer games, was the tactic the school's head coach employed to sign up the team for the County league in 2019.

“I know this strategy worked to the advantage of Ebwali who did not only lift the league trophy but also surprised many by clinching the KSSSA title in Nakuru. The players had gotten used to better challenges in the County league hence we want to follow suit,” opined the Box 14 FC tactician.

Currently, Box 14 FC sit at the summit of the County league with 15 points from six matches, having suffered only one loss.

“We are playing the County league to give other players who might not make it in our first team for the high school competitions an opportunity to sharpen themselves for future school games assignment,” he said.