Defending champions Koyonzo High will kick off their title defence in the national secondary schools rugby 7s Monday with a tough fixture against Malindi High at Kisii School. Led by coach Eliud Okwemba, Koyonzo aims to defend the title won in Kakamega last year.
Determined Champions
“All eyes are on us as defending champions. We want to lift the title but I know it will not be easy. All the same, we are ready for the games,” said Okwemba.
Key Fixtures
- Nairobi School vs Otieno Oyoo (debutants from Nyanza)
- Vihiga High vs Alliance High School
- Bwake vs MPesa Foundation Academy
- Kisii School vs Lushangoni
- Friends School Anjego vs Kabianga (Anjego’s debut under coach J.J. Masime)
Coaches’ Views
The coach and principal of Friends School Anjego, Masime, wants his team to enjoy their sport while competing effectively. “I want them to enjoy rugby. However, we are here to also compete and represent the Nyanza region,” he said.
Kabianga’s coach Kistus Onditi has fixed his eyes on the team representing Kenya in the East Africa championships. My target is to play in the finals to assure my team a place in the regional games,” he said.
St. Mary’s Yala’s coach George Kerima is targeting to lift this year’s trophy.
Girls’ Category
For the first time under the Kenya Secondary Schools calendar, girls’ category will also be competed:
- Madira Girls vs Paul Harris
- Kareb vs Sidindi
- Mbakalu vs Kinale
- St Joseph’s Kitale vs Dagoretti Mixed
- Nyakach Girls (Nyanza champions) vs Ruiru
- Nyagechenche Girls vs JM Kariuki
Nyagechenche coach Dennis Onyango is confident of conquering the title. “Being hosts, we are under pressure to lift the title. We want to make Kisii County proud by lifting the title,” he said.
Tournament Draws
Boys’ Pools:
- Pool A: Koyonzo, Nairobi School, Malindi School, Otieno Oyoo
- Pool B: Vihiga High, Bwake, Alliance, Upper Hill School
- Pool C: St Mary’s Yala, Kisii School, MPesa Foundation Academy, Lushangoni
- Pool D: Meru School, Friends School Anjego, Kabianga School, Kangaru School
Girls’ Pools:
- Pool A: Madira, Karen C, Paul Harris, Sidindi
- Pool B: St Joseph’s Kitale, Kinale, Dagoretti Mixed, Mbakalu
- Pool C: Nyakach Girls, Nyakongo High, Shimba Hills, Ruiru
- Pool D: Muvuti, JM Kariuki, St Teresa, Nyagechenche
With these games, teams are all set and ready to unleash all their potential, skill, and determination in this premier national event.