Defending champions Koyonzo High are set to commence their title defense in the National Secondary Schools Rugby 7s on Monday. The team will face Malindi High in a challenging opening fixture at Kisii School. Under the guidance of Coach Eliud Okwemba, Koyonzo High is determined to defend the title they won in Kakamega last year.
Determined Champions
Coach Okwemba acknowledges the pressure on his team as the defending 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,” he stated.
Key Fixtures
The tournament features several notable matches, including:
- 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
Coach J.J. Masime of Friends School Anjego emphasizes the importance of enjoyment and competitive spirit. “I want them to enjoy rugby. However, we are here to also compete and represent the Nyanza region,” he said. Meanwhile, Kabianga’s coach Kistus Onditi has set his sights on the East Africa championships. “My target is to play in the finals to assure my team a place in the regional games,” he explained. St. Mary’s Yala’s coach George Kerima is also aiming high, targeting to lift this year’s trophy.
Girls’ Category
For the first time in the Kenya Secondary Schools calendar, the girls’ category will be part of the tournament, featuring teams such as:
- 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 optimistic about his team’s prospects. “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 the tournament underway, teams are ready to showcase their skills, determination, and potential in this premier national event.
