Revamped Kisumu Day Secondary School football team, led by national Under-17 captain Neville Simiyu, has entered a residential training camp after defeating five schools from Nyanza to qualify for the finals of the inaugural Kariobangi Sharks Elite Schools Tournament in Nairobi. 

The dates are yet to be announced.  

Speaking to People Sports yesterday in Kisumu City, Deputy Principal Gordon Kagolla confirmed the team commenced residential training on Monday, May 5, as they gear up for the national clash. 

“We have revamped almost 80 per cent of the Kisumu Day football team, and we now have a formidable outfit. The boys started their residential camp this week in preparation for the Kariobangi Sharks Elite Schools Tournament final in Nairobi,” said Kagolla. 

The team, which are also the reigning Kisumu County secondary schools football champions, is largely composed of Form Two students, with players representing all positions on the field. The squad is anchored by centre-back and national U-17 captain Simiyu. 

Strikers in the team include Bavon Onyango, Bravon Ochieng’, Kenneth Onyango, Martin Simidi, Felix Kibet and Emmanuel Martins — who also features at the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) in Homa Bay, founded by Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga. 

Midfield duties are handled by players such as Rio Fernández, Ngolo Kanté, and Nicholas Otieno, while the full-back line comprises J. Mwala and James Jonyo.  

The central defence is led by Lius Figo and Austin Omondi, with Tom Onyango as the first-choice goalkeeper. 

“Except for Simiyu and a few others who have been with us since Form One, most of the players are now in Form Two,” Kagolla added. 

He also revealed that the team has undergone technical changes, including the appointment of new head coach Chris Santos (a former student), who replaces former Premier League player Andrew Aroka of Chemelil Sugar FC.  

The squad has also adopted a fresh playing philosophy and style.