Koyonzo High School captain Brian Kiptanui is optimistic they will win the national rugby Sevens title.
Speaking after a comprehensive 26-5 win over Butula Secondary during the Western Region Secondary Schools Sports Association games at St Peter's Mumias, Kakamega County, Kiptanui said he feels they have what it takes to even challenge for the East Africa title.
Kiptanui was key as Koyonzo booked a slot at the national championships set for next week in Nakuru County.
He converted Jackson Siketa’s first try for a 7-0 lead in the first minute of the game before touching down for a second try and added the extras for a 14-0 lead.
Victor Wawire touched down for Koyonzo but Kiptanui was not lucky this time as missed the conversion to leave the scores at 19-0 at the break.
On resumption, the speedy winger offloaded to Brandon Mulefu, who went past the try line for Koyonzo's fourth try before converting for a 26-0.
Butula took advantage of a numerical advantage at the death after James Asanga was sent to the sin bin.
Collins Omwodo scored the consolation try but Rayvon Ambale missed the conversion.
“We had good plans which we executed well,” said Kiptanui.
Kakamega-based Koyonzo head coach Oscar Okorang said their plans to play at the finals began in 2020, even before the coronavirus pandemic.
“We started preparing for this victory in 2020, even before coronavirus struck. We are prepared not just to play at the nationals but at the East Africa championships,” said Okorong.
At the semifinals, the champions thrashed Musingu High School 22-0 while Butula were 12-07 winners against hosts St Peter’s Mumias.
In girls' volleyball, Kakamega’s Mwitoti face countymates Butere Girls in Saturday's final following their victories in the semifinals on Friday evening.
Newcomers Mwitoti dispatched multiple national champions Lugulu Girls from Bungoma County with a straight sets win (25-18, 25-17, 25-18) while Butere beat little-known Busibi in straight sets of 25-07, 25-12 and 25-08.
In the boys’ volleyball, Namwela will be hoping to shine over Indangalasia in the final. Namwela, of Bungoma County, beat Butula High School from Busia 3-1 (25-22, 15-25, 16-25, 13-25).
Indagalasia, from Kakamega County, beat countymates and former champions Malava Boys High 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-14, 28-26).
Indagalasia captain Laister Mudibo said: “It was a tight match and we are glad we have reached the final. Our target is to bag the title and proceed to the nationals where we expect other strong teams like Cheptil. We also hope to grace the East Africa Games in Arusha."
