Mumias Central Junior School has been crowned the new Kakamega County Junior Schools boys’ football champions after edging defending East African champions Mayoni Township Junior School 2-1 in a thrilling final played at Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.
The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for the Mumias-based school, which narrowly missed the county title in 2025. This time, the boys displayed resilience, determination and tactical discipline to overcome one of the most formidable school football sides in the region.
The county championship finals had initially been scheduled to culminate at Kivaywa Primary School in Lugari Sub-county. However, tension ahead of the final prompted organizers to shift the decisive match to Mumias Sports Complex, where football fans were treated to an entertaining and fiercely contested encounter.
Mayoni Township drew first blood, taking an early lead and appearing destined to retain the title. But Mumias Central refused to surrender. Inspired by unwavering belief and tremendous fighting spirit, the boys mounted a sensational comeback, scoring twice to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and lift the county trophy.
The triumph was the culmination of an outstanding campaign in which Mumias Central excelled from the zonal, sub-county and county levels across several disciplines, including boys’ and girls’ football, basketball and netball, underlining the school’s growing reputation as a sporting powerhouse.
School Head of Institution Mr. Francis Obwamu attributed the success to meticulous preparation, discipline and a balanced approach to academics and co-curricular activities.
“We prepared thoroughly and I had complete confidence in the team. Even after conceding first, the boys remained calm because we always remind them that you can be down but never out. Their determination and teamwork earned us this victory,” said Mr. Obwamu.
He noted that the school’s impressive performance is no accident but the result of a well-structured programme that gives equal attention to classroom learning and talent development.
“We have a clearly defined timetable. When it is time for games, learners focus fully on games, and when it is class time, they are fully committed to their studies. We also have highly disciplined learners who understand the value of hard work and responsibility. That is the secret behind our success in both academics and sports,” he said.
Mr. Obwamu added that the painful disappointment of losing the county title last year became the team’s greatest motivation.
“We narrowly lost in 2025. This year, everyone was determined to do everything humanly possible to bring the trophy home. The boys believed in themselves and they have made the entire school proud,” he said.
The county champions will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Junior Schools Championships in Maseno next week, where they hope to book a place at the national championships before pursuing the coveted East African title.
As preparations begin, Mr. Obwamu appealed to the government and other stakeholders to release sports funds promptly to enable schools to prepare adequately for major competitions.
“We have many players to cater for. We need resources for meals, accommodation, soap, playing kits and to facilitate our trainers. Timely funding is essential if schools are to compete effectively,” he said.
He also called upon alumni, well-wishers and the local community to support the team’s regional campaign.
“We are appealing to everyone of goodwill to stand with us. Our dream does not end with the county championship. We want to conquer the regional, national and East African competitions. Our boys have the talent and determination to achieve that dream,” he affirmed.
Mr. Obwamu further challenged organizers and education stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of school competitions by ensuring only eligible learners participate.
“School games are meant to identify and nurture genuine talent. It is unfortunate that some institutions field ineligible players, denying deserving learners an opportunity to shine. As we head to the regional championships, I urge all stakeholders to uphold fairness and protect the future of our young athletes,” he said.
The county title not only cements Mumias Central Junior School’s status as one of Kakamega’s emerging sporting giants but also highlights the visionary leadership of Mr. Francis Obwamu, whose emphasis on discipline, excellence and holistic education continues to transform the school into a model institution where academic achievement and sporting success go hand in hand.
With confidence soaring and regional competition beckoning, all eyes will be on Mumias Central as the county champions embark on their quest for regional, national and ultimately East African football glory.
