St Mary's School Yala Targets National Glory After Unbeaten Run to KSSSA Finals

St Mary's School Yala will head into the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games full of confidence after completing an unbeaten campaign to win the Nyanza Region boys' football title.

The Siaya County school secured its place at the national championships with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kisumu Boys in the regional final, earning its first-ever appearance at the KSSSA national football tournament.

Yala's triumph capped an impressive season in which the team remained unbeaten from the sub-county stage through the regional championships, underlining its consistency and growing reputation in Kenyan school football.

The team's route to the title gathered momentum after defending regional champions Agai High School were disqualified during the county competition for fielding ineligible players following a successful appeal by Kisumu Boys.

Yala made the most of the opportunity, defeating Sameta before drawing with Ringa Boys and Kisumu Boys in the group stage to qualify for the knockout rounds.

The Black Saints then eliminated Maseno School in the semi-finals before edging Kisumu Boys to lift the regional trophy.

The victory has earned Yala a place in a competitive Group A at the national championships, where they will face former champions Highway High School, alongside Tenwek and Tononoka.

Team captain Stephen Ouma said winning the regional title has strengthened the players' belief ahead of their national debut.

"Winning the regional title has motivated us even more because we know what we are capable of. We have worked hard throughout the season and remained unbeaten," Ouma said.

He added that the team's ambition extends beyond participating, saying their goal is to reach the final and challenge for the national title.

Head coach Calvince Onyango said preparations have intensified as the team readies itself for the higher level of competition expected at the nationals.

"We have been preparing the boys mentally and physically because the national games are different from the regional competition," Onyango said, adding that his side respects every opponent but believes discipline and teamwork can take them deep into the tournament.

The 2026 KSSSA National Games will be staged in Thika, bringing together Kenya's top secondary school teams to compete for national honours. With defending champions St Joseph Boys Kitale eliminated before the national stage, this year's football tournament is guaranteed to produce a new champion.

Yala's remarkable rise reflects the growing strength of grassroots football in Kenya, where school competitions continue to serve as an important pathway for developing the country's next generation of football talent.