Kisumu Day’s hopes of representing the county at the Nyanza Regional Secondary Schools Ball Games after edging Agai 1-0 during the county final hang in the balance after archrivals Kisumu Boys filed a petition challenging their semifinal win, alleging they fielded ineligible players, a fresh twist that has sparked legal battles just days before kick-off. 

In an interview with People Sports, Kisumu Day Deputy Principal Gordon Kagolla said the county games jury convened a nearly all-night meeting on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Public Service Hall situated at the former Kisumu County Governor’s Plaza offices in the Mlimani area. 

“The jury, made up of neutral government education officials from neighbouring counties, met on Saturday at the Public Service Hall next to Huduma Centre, located within the former Governor’s Plaza, to receive and hear presentations from both Kisumu Boys and Kisumu Day,” Kagolla said. 

He added, “The jury first held a private meeting before summoning football officials from both schools. It was a gruelling exercise that lasted until close to midnight on Saturday, July 5.” 

“The petitions by both schools will be heard today, Monday, July 7, 2025, when the games jury is expected to resume its sittings. However, we have not yet been informed of the venue,” Kagolla concluded. 

Similarly, Kisumu County Secondary Schools Sports Association (KCSSSA) Secretary Osura confirmed that the Nyanza Regional Secondary Schools Ball Games will be held at Moi Stadium, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu Day, Kisumu Boys, and other designated venues.

The competition will conclude on July 12, 2025. 

Ineligible players  

On their road to the Kisumu County Secondary Schools Ball Games boys’ football final, Kisumu Day defeated perennial rivals Kisumu Boys 2-1 in a tightly contested semifinal played at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, before a packed crowd of supporters drawn from across Kisumu City. 

In the other semifinal held at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, 2024’s county finalists Agai thrashed Kasagam Secondary School 5-1 to book their spot in the final against Kisumu Day. 

KCSSSA Secretary George Osura told People Sports that the semis and finals proceeded after Kisumu Boys withdrew a court case they had earlier filed against Onjiko Boys High School for allegedly fielding ineligible players during the group stage. 

“We were able to hold the semis and the final match after Kisumu Boys High School withdrew the case they had filed against Onjiko, accusing them of fielding ineligible players,” Osura explained. 

He added, “However, ironically, the case is still ongoing since Onjiko also filed a petition against the KCSSSA jury, opposing the decision to ban the school team for three years for allegedly fielding six ineligible players during their match against Kisumu Boys.”