Makueni, Homabay set up exciting KYISA Games finals

Makueni County and hosts Homabay have set up potentially explosive finals in football, basketball and volleyball disciplines at the Kenya Youth Inter-Counties Sports Association Games (KYISA) with the stage now set for champions to be crowned on Saturday when the curtains fall on the youth fiesta.

The two counties stayed head and shoulders above the competition during the semi-finals on Friday as they swept off their opponents to storm five out of six finals on offer to remain on course for a possible KYISA Games quintuple.

Makueni women’s football team made light work of Siaya with a 3-1 triumph to stay one step away from defending their title they won in last year’s edition held in Kilifi County.

Makueni drew first blood with an early goal in the first half but Siaya levelled before the break.

In the second half, Makueni got off the canvas and lifted Siaya off their feet to ease to the final after two masterclass goals in the dying embers of the match.

In the other last four clash, Kajiado saw off Nyeri 1-0 to book Makueni in the final.

Makueni captain Dorcas Mason remained optimistic they will retain their title for the second year running.

“We’re yet to show our opponents who we are and I know tomorrow we will reward our fans with victory. We’re not underrating Kajiado but we’ve prepared well,” said Mason.

In the men’s football contest, Alex Kyalo’s solitary goal was enough for Makueni to edge out Migori and set up a thrilling final against Homa Bay who whipped Nakuru 3-0 in the other semi-final.

In volleyball men, holders Makueni beat Kajiado 3-1 sets to book Homabay in the final after the hosts defeated Nandi in straight sets in the other last four tie.

Makueni captain Shadrack Muteti warned that they have tools to hurt the home team but urged his teammates to show character if they are to prevail in the showdown.

“We’ve dropped a set against Kajiado and I urge my players to have a high level of concentration. We want to retain the trophy in straight sets but I know our opponents are equally prepared to upset us but we will fight to the end.”

In the women’s version, Homabay spanked Siaya 3-1 sets to sail through to the final where they will meet Busia who defeated Nandi with a similar scoreline.

The men side were given a direct ticket after Siaya were disqualified for fielding ineligible players in the other semi-final and they have a date with the hosts in the final.

Speaking after the Makueni teams qualified for different finals, the county Sports Executive Member Sebastian Kyoni credited Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s talent development and scouting programs—Ligi Mashinani and MKJ Supa Cup—for the success.

“I attribute our success so far to our strong systems we’ve laid down in Makueni. Our Governor is very serious about sports and all our participants have not let him down. What is remaining is the coronation part because I know we’ve prepared the team well,” he said.

The annual championship, which is tailor made for youngsters aged 18-23, concludes on Saturday.