Eight schools have confirmed participation in the 30th edition of the Mangu Open tournament slated for this weekend in Kiambu County.
The tournament will feature several sports disciplines including football, handball, hockey, basketball, volleyball, swimming racquet games, rugby 15s and rugby Sevens for girls.
Speaking on Thursday, Mangu rugby coach Dennis Munene said said they expect the likes of Alliance High, Lenana, Upper Hill, Highway, Moi Forces Academy, Kirangari, Kangaru, and hosts Mangu among others for the two-day event.
Munene said the teams coming are using it as a build-up ahead of the county games slated for March.
"This will be an ideal opportunity for teams to gauge their preparation for the county games. Time is fast approaching and I believe the teams will be tested to the limit considering the calibre of the opposition,” he added.
On their chances to perform in their backyard, Munene was optimistic.
"We fielded our second string squad a week ago in the Founders Day tournament at Lenana and Alliance Open. This time, we will field our strongest team better known as the 'Bomb Squad' and we hope to win the tourney and build momentum heading towards the county games,” Munene said.
Mangu beat Alliance 22-3 to win the Kiambu schools rugby title last year but expects an improved display from the Kikuyu-based rivals for this year's event.
“This year will be tougher. I expect Alliance to push us close. Kiambu High and Githiga will also be in contention. So we can't take things for granted.
"Let us just say it will be a hard-fought championship and with only one slot available, I think all the participating teams will put their best foot forward,” added Munene
Preparations for the event are almost complete according to Munene. “This being the 30th edition since the event was started, it promises to be bigger and better. It is one of the top schools' tournaments in the country and we expected it to be competitive across all disciplines.”
