Bob Amalemba
KAKAMEGA, Kenya – July 22, 2025 – Musingu High School’s football team, the Scorpions, are poised to electrify their home county of Kakamega as they chase the 2025 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games title from July 27 to August 3. After a heart-wrenching second-place finish at last year’s nationals in Nyanza, where they fell 3-2 to Highway Secondary in a penalty shootout, the Scorpions are back with venom, fueled by home-crowd fervor and a Ksh.1.5M KCB Bank sponsorship. Their mission: end a 19-year national title drought and secure a spot at the East Africa Secondary School Games (FEASSA).
A Fierce Battle Awaits in Pool A
Drawn in the competitive Pool A, Musingu faces Agai Mixed Secondary School (Nyanza), known for their slick passing and lethal strikers; Moi High School (Eastern), a disciplined side with physical edge; and a yet-to-be-confirmed North Eastern team. Coach Brendan Mwinamo, who revitalized Musingu since joining in 2019 after four titles with Kakamega High, is brimming with confidence. “Last year, we showed heart in Nyanza. This time, on our turf, we’ll play with elegance and sting with precision,” he told the press. With Kakamega’s passionate fans behind them, the Scorpions aim to outshine Highway Secondary, their 2024 conquerors, and claim the crown.
The Scorpions’ Firepower
Musingu’s strength lies in a dynamic squad:
- Marvin Ashiundu, a clinical striker whose 2024 goals, including a screamer against Machakos Boys, ignite the attack.
- Annan Okumu, the captain and centre-back, whose steely leadership anchors the defense.
- Midfield maestros Houstin Oluoch, Kevin Mukaramija, and Omwami, who dictate tempo with flair and ferocity.
- Kevin Manani, the “Green Commandos Assassin,” whose free-kick wizardry has become legend, notably in regional clashes.
This core, molded by Mwinamo’s tactical brilliance, forms a midfield triangle that overwhelms opponents with relentless energy and precision.
A Journey of Resilience
The Scorpions’ path to the nationals was a saga of grit and strategy. In the Kakamega County semifinals, they edged out archrivals Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Kakamega High appealed, alleging ineligible players, leading to a disqualification ruling on July 4, 2025, by County Director of Education Hellen Nyang’au. Both teams were briefly sidelined, with Butere Boys named county champions. Musingu, however, played a cunning hand. While publicly conceding the axing, they said they were focusing on next year’s games via their Scorpions Facebook page, even as they silently prepared for a rematch. On July 6 at Chavakali High School, Kevin Manani curled a stunning free kick—mirroring his 2023 Bukhungu heroics against the Commandos—to secure a 1-0 win. A 2-0 rout of Ebwali Secondary on July 13 clinched the Western Region title, despite protests from Kibabii Boys.
“We buried the Commandos five times in a fortnight!” a Musingu Scorpions’ Facebook post boasted. “Kakamega High can cheer from the sidelines!” The alumni’s swagger reflects a team reborn, ready to dominate.
Lukuya’s Strategic Genius
Chief Principal Bernard Lukuya, likened to footballing principals Oliver Minishi and Cosmus Nabongolo, was the mastermind behind Musingu’s revival. His legal acumen and unwavering support ensured the team’s eligibility amidst controversy. “Lukuya didn’t just back us; he outsmarted the system,” Mwinamo said. An alumnus quipped, “They fussed over birth certificates; we trained in silence. Our legal team was ready for DNA tests—down to the last chromosome!” Lukuya’s vision has turned Musingu into a footballing powerhouse.
A 19-Year Quest for Glory
Musingu’s return to the nationals ends a 19-year drought, earning them “sleeping giant” status in local media. Their 2024 runner-up finish in Nyanza fuels their hunger to go one better on home soil. “We’re not just playing for a title; we’re building a legacy,” Mwinamo declared. The Scorpions’ journey transcends football—it’s a story of institutional pride, resilience, and strategic brilliance.
The Scorpion’s Battle Cry
The Musingu Alumni Association is rallying on social media: “Nationals are in Kakamega. Cheer us, or prep your KCSE candidates—we’re taking it all!” Their mantra is fierce: “Western is ours. Kenya is next. East Africa? That’s ours too.” With Manani’s venomous boots, Lukuya’s leadership, and Kakamega’s roar, the Scorpions are poised to sting their way to national glory and beyond.