How historic wins propelled Obuya Comprehensive School to top County ball games

Obuya Junior School girls football team poses for a group photo with their Head Teacher Mr. Agutu John. PHOTO/Gabriel Obuya.
  • Earlier this year, the School embarked on a comprehensive sports initiative, introducing a variety of disciplines including netball, volleyball, and football.
  • As the Rachuonyo North Sub County Ball Games kick off at Omboga Zone on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, one thing is certain: Obuya Comprehensive School will proudly represent the Rambira Zone in both boys’ and girls’ football competitions.
  • Obuya Comprehensive School’s achievements in co-curricular activities exemplify the benefits of this approach, highlighting the importance of nurturing diverse talents alongside academic pursuits.

Three years ago, when Obuya Comprehensive School in Rambira Zone, Homa Bay County, began intensive training for various co-curricular activities, not everyone understood their vision. With both boys and girls setting their sights on school competitions and honing their talents and skills, the stage was set for success.

Chrispine Odhiambo, a dedicated teacher and football coach, remained optimistic about the school’s future in local and regional ball games. His unwavering belief was that this journey would not only elevate the school’s status in sports but also instill teamwork and cooperation, essential elements of the new curriculum.

“Resilience and confidence were to remain our only pillars of engagement. Every day, I kept reminding the players to stay focused, disciplined, and determined.

“As a teacher and coach, I must admit that Obuya’s entry into the Sub County Football competition is not only inspiring but also a game-changer for both the school and the community,” said Mr. Odhiambo, beaming with pride after their recent victory against Karabondi Comprehensive School.

A hub for talent

The School, experiencing a steady increase in enrollment, has become a hub for nurturing talent across various fields.

Mr. Joseph Agutu, the head of institution, committed to this vision, has actively engaged stakeholders to support and develop the students’ diverse skills.

“With a focus on holistic education, the School stands out not only for its academic achievements but also for its dedication to co-curricular excellence. This comprehensive approach is shaping well-rounded individuals ready to excel both in school and beyond,” said the headteacher.

Obuya Junior School Boys football team poses for a photo with their trainer and teacher Mr. Odhiambo Christine, shortly after lifting the zonal trophy.PHOTO/Gabriel Obuya.

Comprehensive sports initiative

Earlier this year, the School embarked on a comprehensive sports initiative, introducing a variety of disciplines including netball, volleyball, and football.

Teachers encouraged both boys and girls to take these activities seriously, fostering a spirit of commitment and enthusiasm among the students.

The dedication paid off as the ball games competition kicked off at the school level and progressed to the base level. In a remarkable display of talent and teamwork, both boys and girls football teams emerged victorious, defeating all competing schools in  Rambira Zone.

The school community was abuzz with excitement, celebrating the new zonal champions and their impressive achievements. The atmosphere was electric as students, teachers, and parents joined together to honor the fruits of dedication and resilience in the pursuit of athletic excellence.

“We have never been this excited. For the first time, Obuya Comprehensive School has truly humbled us, emerging top in both boys and girls football competitions,” said Gabriel Obuya, a member of the school’s Board of Management. “We are convinced that the renewed spirit of cooperation and teamwork will always guide the ways of our children.”

Aligning with educational reforms

This historic victory aligns with the Kenyan government’s current educational reforms. Through the Ministry of Education, schools are being encouraged to enable their learners to participate fully in talent-based programs, which is a key component of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Obuya Comprehensive School’s achievements in co-curricular activities exemplify the benefits of this approach, highlighting the importance of nurturing diverse talents alongside academic pursuits.

In a recent interview with Scholar Media Africa, Anne Awino, a Grade 7 student and key player for School girl’s football team, shared her thoughts on the team’s journey to Rachuonyo North Sub County Ball Games Competitions.

Anne Awino, a Grade 7 student at Obuya Comprehensive School poses for a photo with the head of the institution Mr John Agutu. PHOTO/Gabriel Obuya.

Awino, who plays in the school’s defence, emphasised that football is a mental game and a significant contributor to harmony in group assignments.

Awino spoke about how being part of the football team has helped her integrate and relate well with her classmates, enabling her to tackle even the most complex class challenges.

“Through sports, I have learned to approach my teachers whenever I have a problem and interact effectively with my schoolmates. It is such a wonderful experience that we have become the channel through which the world will know that good things happen at Obuya Comprehensive School,” she said.

She highlighted the pride and humility that come with being part of the first junior secondary school group to represent Rambira Zone in the Sub County Competition.

“We have humbled our parents, and it is equally a humbling experience for us,” Awino added.

As a dependable player at both the base and zonal levels, Awino was instrumental in maintaining an unbeaten record, skillfully defending against opponents and contributing to the team’s success.

“Many schools in our zone didn’t realize we were destined for greatness until we lifted the zonal trophy. We had an assignment to accomplish, and we made a commitment to make our school proud, and we did exactly that,” she reflected.

Mitchele Stacy, another key player, echoed Awino’s sentiments, underscoring the team’s dedication and hard work that led to their remarkable achievement.

Looking ahead

As the Rachuonyo North Sub County Ball Games kick off at Omboga Zone on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, one thing is certain: Obuya Comprehensive School will proudly represent the Rambira Zone in both boys’ and girls’ football competitions.

This achievement underscores the school’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent as a vital component in securing the future of its students.

The boys’ team, whose dedication was evident during their zonal final game against Karabondi Comprehensive School at Kanyangwena Comprehensive School, remains focused and ready to showcase their talent at the sub-county level. Their unwavering commitment to the sport has positioned them as strong contenders in the upcoming competitions.

Obuya Junior School football players at their school before traveling to Kanyangwena for zonal ball games competition. PHOTO/Gabriel Obuya.

“We have a rare moment to prove to society that at our school, we believe in teamwork and resilience. It has never been a walk in the park. The students have trained hard, and we wish them all the best as they continue to display their talent,” said Silas Abongo, a teacher and sports trainer at the school.

As Rachuonyo North Sub County Ball Games kick off at Omboga in Kanyaluo Ward, all eyes are on Obuya. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams are set to compete against schools from eight other zones, including Miriu, Kendu, Omboga, Pala, Kandiege, Homa, Nyakongo, and Got Oyaro, in what promises to be a showcase of promising and emerging talent, in the midst of titans.

The School has already made a significant mark by winning at the base and zonal levels. Their participation in this sub-county event reflects their dedication to sports and talent development, principles that align with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“It remains to be seen how the School advances in their games,” said Silas Abongo, a sports trainer at the school. “The students have trained hard and are ready to face the challenge head-on.”

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County Championship

The winners of the Sub County Ball Games will proceed to the county championships, a step closer to statewide recognition. The competition is fierce, but the School is prepared to demonstrate the strength of their training, teamwork, and resilience.

As the games unfold, the school community, along with supporters from the Zone, eagerly awaits to see their teams shine on this larger stage. The school’s resolve to reign in football and other disciplines is informed by the desire to excel in both talent and academics, even as the new curriculum takes shape.

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Mr. Misori holds a Bachelor's degree in Education Arts, English and English literature from Mount Kenya University. He is the author of the book ''Village Under Siege'', a book reviewer, and a science journalist passionate about environment, health, climate change, education and agriculture. His email address is misori.village@gmail.com

4 COMMENTS

  1. Momentous regain in the offing for such a corroborated effort for all and sundry. Gratitude goes to the informant, a renowned scholar and writer, Mr. S. Misori. God bless!

    • Very well Mr Obuya. At Scholar Media Africa, we strive to report accurately and to remain factual. We wish Obuya Comprehensive School all the best in their curricular and co curricular activities.

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