Defending champions St. Mary’s Yala are set to defend their Nyanza region Sevens title when the regional championship kicks off on Thursday at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho in Kisii County. Yala’s Coach, George Kerima, says his team is well-prepared and ready to take on any challengers.
Yala’s Determination
Coach Kerima said, “Regional may be always tight, but we have trained and [are] ready to take on any team.” He said, “We mean it this year to take our team to the East Africa Games in Uganda in August. The boys are in high spirit and are sure they will make us proud. I want to thank the school management for supporting the team.”
Competition Structure
According to the secretary of Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association, Tom Odhiambo, Yala is seeded in Pool ‘A’, where it will compete alongside opponents St. Paul’s Gekano High School, together with hosts Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho. The draw shows an intense competition with several former champions and a strong contingent wanting to take the title.
Pool Breakdown
- Pool A: St. Mary’s Yala, St. Paul’s Gekano, Cardinal Otunga Mosocho
- Pool B: Maseno School, Otieno Oyoo, Gendia from Homa Bay
- Pool C: Agoro Sare, Friends School Anjego, Nyakongo High
- Pool D: Kisii School, Sawagongo, St. Joseph’s Rapogi
Notable Contenders
- Maseno School: Former champions set to compete with debutants Otieno Oyoo and Gendia.
- Agoro Sare: Former champions in Pool C featuring Friends School Anjego and Nyakongo High, who make their debut at this level.
- Kisii School : The current defending 15’s champions in Pool D, pitting against Sawagongo and St. Joseph’s Rapogi.
Coaches’ Insights
Anjego coach and Principal J.J. Masime expressed his hopes of pulling off major upsets, stating, “We are underdogs but we hope to lift the regional title.” Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango was equally optimistic about their chances, despite his team emerging as county champions in a game they started barely a year ago. “My target is to win the regional trophy,” he said.
Girls’ Rugby Debut
This shall be the first time girls’ rugby features in the KSSSA calendar. Here are the draws for the pools of girls’ rugby:
- Pool A: Nyakongo, Enkinda, St. Anne’s Nyangoge
- Pool B: Nyakach Girls, Bishop Okoth Ojolla, Bishop Okullu Magare
- Pool C: Friends School Anjego, Asumbi Girls, Rangenyo Girls
- Pool D: Nyagichenche Mixed, Sidindi, Kamagambo Day
Coaches’ Remarks
Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango pointed out that the tremendous improvement of the team, which was initiated into the game this year and became county champions. “Some teams started playing this game a few years ago but I’m not afraid of them,” Onyango said. “My target is to win the regional trophy.”