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KSSSA: Fans come up with innovative ways of funding travels to cheer Lugulu Girls’
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 02.08.24. | 14:33
The girls are in Pool B together with Eastern, Coast, and Central region winners.
The buzz around Lugulu Girls’ High School is palpable as they prepare to battle it out at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two national championships in Kisii.
The Webuye-based school quenched their six-year thirst for a volleyball national berth after seeing off Mwitoti 3-0 (25:19, 25:14, 25:14) at the regional stage.
Their fans are also ready to make their presence felt. The journey from Webuye to Kisii is no small feat, but the unwavering support for the team has fueled a determination among fans to travel in numbers and cheer their girls to victory.
Mozzart Sport caught up with the excited fans who are ready to sacrifice literally everything to cheer their team on the national stage. Undeterred by the distance, the team is determined to electrify the nationals.
Lucas Simiyu noted that they started an initiative to sell the team’s merchandise in order to raise money to accompany the girls. He was glad that the school’s principal and community supported them.
“I love Lugulu because they perform well in exams and also in class. Anywhere they go, I follow them. We have introduced the selling of merchandise to other fans so that we raise money for the same. The principal has been very supportive to the fans and we appreciate it,” he revealed.
Another fan, Joseph Sitati alias 'Ibu', could not contain his joy at the thought of watching the team play at the nationals after six years. Ibu called on the county’s Governor Kenneth Lusaka to construct an indoor arena in the county to nurture more talents.
“I love Lugulu with my whole heart. Anytime I hear they have lost; I am very disappointed. I request the governor of Bungoma to support the team and fans to go to the nationals. This team has given the country so much talent. I am also calling on the governor to build a volleyball stadium so that we can cheer our teams on good grounds,” he called on.
His sentiments were echoed by Thomas Wanjala who noted that it was high time the school and county collaborated to purchase more equipment and an additional bus for the team and its fans.
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“We played well and God has helped us win. With this level of talent, it is disappointing that we do not have equipment. We also need a bus for the fans to go and cheer the team in away venues,” he offered.
Martin Wasike, a parent to a student at the school, was glad that the principal was supportive of sports. He lauded the school for nurturing both academic and sporting talents.
“I thank the principal for supporting us. Now that we are going to the nationals, we need more support from everyone. Even the area MP Dan Wanyama should help us take the team to the highest level,” he averred.
On his side, Aaron Namaghwa, a fan and former volleyball player, called on government representatives from Webuye to support the team and fans in their quest for national glory.
“We are calling on our leaders to help nurture these talents. Lugulu Girls come from Webuye West and we have not seen any government representative from that area supporting the team. We heard that our MP played volleyball for Kenya. What is he showing us? We want him to represent us well and be around during these matches,” he said.
The girls are in Pool B together with Eastern, Coast, and Central region winners.
Initially, Kisii had been stripped of the hosting rights due to concerns about Gusii Stadium's condition and fan violence during the Nyanza Region Games. However, subsequent renovations and assurances from local authorities have led to a change of heart.
