Action between Cardinal Otunga (in brown) and Bong'onta during the Kisii County finals /ANGWENYI GICHANA
Newly crowned Siaya County boys’ rugby 7s champions Chianda High will renew their rivalry with Ambira High during the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association Term Two games.
The two sides, who recently clashed in a tough Siaya County final where Chianda narrowly won 10-7, have been drawn together in Pool ‘A’ for the regional showpiece.
The tournament is scheduled to take place at Homa Bay School from July 7 to 11, with Homa Bay County’s runners-up completing the group.
A new regional champion will be crowned this year after holders St Mary’s School Yala were eliminated during the Siaya County championships, losing 24-14 to Ambira in the semi-finals.
The Mighty Colts subsequently finished third after a comfortable 26-14 win over Sawagongo.
Notably, Yala and Kisii School—both of which have already qualified for the Federation of East Africa Schools' Sports Association games—did not field their 15s players during their respective county tournaments.
According to the official draws released by regional secretary Geoffrey Nyantika, Kisii County champions Cardinal Otunga Senior School, Mosocho, will face compatriots Bong’onta and Friends School Anjego in Pool ‘B’.
Cardinal Otunga defeated Bong’onta 33-0 during the county final. Kisumu County champions Nyabondo headline Pool ‘C’ alongside Nyambaria Senior School and Kanga, while Otieno Oyoo is placed in Pool ‘D’ with St Kizito Nyansiongo from Nyamira and the Homa Bay County champions, whose tournament concludes on Thursday.
Several teams have expressed high ambitions ahead of the regional showdown, with Cardinal Otunga Mosocho declaring themselves the favourites.
The team had the luxury of fielding their second-string side during the second half of their county final victory.
Coach Edwin Metobo noted: “We did not have stiff competition at the county championships. I anticipate a tough competition at the regionals, but we are equal to the task. We want to polish the boys before we head to Homa Bay. We want to qualify for the national and East Africa championships.”
Chianda High, the 2019 finalists, are aiming to improve on past performances by capturing their maiden title and securing a slot in the national championships.
Coach Nelson Oromo stated: “The county championship was tough, especially opponents like Nyagondo, Sawagongo, and Ambira, but we were equally prepared.”
Meanwhile, Nyamira County champions Nyambaria Senior School are looking for a turnaround under coach Brian Nyariki, who said: “In term one, we exited in the first round because we were in the same pool with heavyweights Kisii School and Yala. This time, we are hoping for better performance.”
Regional debutants Bong’onta are targeting the semi-finals, though coach Zachariah Machoka emphasised a balanced approach: “Since this is our first time at the regional level, we want to compete favourably and reach the knockout stage. However, I don’t want to put players under pressure.”
