Roaring start for Makueni at KYISA Games

Makueni’s men football team announced their intention of winning this year’s edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-County Games (KYISA) after edging 2015 champions Kwale County 2-1 as the competition got underway at Unoa grounds in Makueni County on Monday.

The hosts through striker Mwololo Clinton took an early lead in the first minute after poor defending from Kwale back-four but the coastal side through Mbwana Bwia cancelled the lead after five minutes to make it 1-1.

In the second half, both sides missed clear-cut chances but Shadrack Kasungu stood up to earn maximum points for his side.

In a post-match interview, Makueni head coach, Richard Kanyi, who also doubles up as the technical director for Makueni teams said his target is to finish on top of their pool before he can think of lifting the title.

“I am happy for the win. My boys followed my instructions and that is why we downed Kwale. I want to take one game at a time but the aim is to win the competition.

“I want first make sure we sail through to the quarters because I know we will face a big challenge from other teams,” said Kanyi who was ousted as the Starlets coach a fortnight ago.

His counterpart Ibrahim Kibuga rued poor officiating, blaming if for their defeat.

“I am disappointed because the referee favoured the home team…,” Kibuga told Citizen Digital.

In 2015, Makueni lost 2-0 in a similar opening match against Kwale, as the latter went all the way to clinch the title on their home soil.

Only one match was played in the opening day of the fourth edition which has attracted 22 teams after it was delayed by the verification of the participating teams. Action continues on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Kenya Volleyball Federation technical director David Lunga’aho who graced the opening day of the one-week event noted that after a dismal performance from Kenyan teams in recently concluded continental club competition, time is ripe to inject fresh blood in the volleyball teams.

“These games will help a lot in growing our talent and we will have more coaches coming here to hunt for new players for our volleyball teams,” said Lungaho.