Defending national secondary schools rugby 7s champions Koyonzo High start their title defence on Monday with a tricky fixture against Malindi High at Kisii School.
Koyonzo, under coach Eliud Okwemba, are targeting to retain their title which they won in Kakamega last year.
In an interview, Okwemba said: “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.”
Nairobi School will be up against debutants Otieno Oyoo from Nyanza while Vihiga High will face Alliance High School.
In other games, Bwake will play MPesa Foundation Academy as hosts Kisii School take on Lushangoni. Friends School Anjego, under coach and principal J.J Masime, will make their debut against Kabianga.
Masime said he would not put his boys under pressure. “I want them to enjoy rugby. However, we are here to also compete and represent the Nyanza region,” said Masime.
Kabianga coach Kistus Onditi said he is eyeing a place at the East Africa championships. “My target is to play in the finals to assure my team a place in the regional games,” said Onditi.
St Mary’s Yala coach George Kerima said his team is focused on lifting this year’s trophy.
In the girls' category, which will be played under the Kenya Secondary Schools calendar for the first time, Madira Girls face Paul Harris in the opening game while Kareb battle Sidindi.
Mbakalu and Kinale will collide in the third game of the day. St Joseph’s Kitale face off with Dagoretti Mixed as Nyanza champions Nyakach Girls confront Ruiru. Kisii County’s Nyagechenche faces JM Kariuki.
Nyagechenche coach Dennis Onyango vowed to lift the title. “Being hosts, we are under pressure to lift the title. We want to make Kisii County proud by lifting the title,” said Onyango.
Boys rugby draw
Pool A: Koyonzo, Nairobi School, Malindi School, and Otieno Oyoo
Pool B: Vihiga High, Bwake, Alliance, and Upper Hill School
Pool C: St Mary’s Yala, Kisii School, MPesa Foundation Academy, and Lushangoni
Pool D: Meru School, Friends School Anjego, Kabianga School, and Kangaru School
Girls’ rugby
Pool A: Madira, Karen C, Paul Harris, and Sidindi
Pool B: St Joseph’s Kitale, Kinale, Dagoretti Mixed, and Mbakalu
Pool C: Nyakach Girls, Nyakongo High, Shimba Hills, and Ruiru
Pool D:Muvuti, JM Kariuki, St Teresa, and Nyagechenche
