Brian Kiptanui reflects on leading Koyonzo to FEASSSA Rugby 7s championship victory
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 02.06.24. | 14:00
Brian made history as the first captain to lead the Stormers to their first-ever Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) rugby 7s title
A few years ago, if you told Brian Kiptanui he would be an East Africa rugby 7s gold medalist, he certainly would have laughed at you.
The 17-year-old never thought he could play rugby until he joined Koyonzo High School, where he met a team of dedicated coaches like Oscar Okaron and Elly Okwemba, who encouraged him to try it out.
Little did he know that he would end his four years at the school in style.
He made history as the first captain to lead the Stormers to their first-ever Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) rugby 7s title.
The team outshined their opponents, Vihiga High School, 21-0 in the finals to be crowned the winners.
The East African finals were a repeat of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby 7s national finals, where Koyonzo edged their arch-rivals 22-12 to proceed to the grand stage.
Reflecting on the triumphant experience, the 17-year-old could not help but smile. Despite being young, his height is impressive, and his clear definition of muscles hinted at a strength beyond his years. The physique is a result of the rigorous training he undergoes.
He noted that the victory was not in his wildest dreams.
“I've represented the school from subcounty up to the East African level, and I was the first captain to take the school to that stage. It was a good feeling. Koyonzo was just a local school, and under my guidance, I took them to the nationals. I am the first person in our family to play rugby, and I believe that it was part of making history. That moment was very beautiful,” Kiptanui smiled as he told Mozzart Sport.
He further observed that Koyonzo was a breeding ground for not only rugby talent but also talent across all sports. With the right dedication and motivation, he expressed confidence that the school can be a sports powerhouse.
He was glad to set an example for the aspiring rugby players at the school.
“There is good talent in the school. I believe I set the standards for them to perform to greater levels,” he offered.
The East Africa triumph only set the stage for greater exploits for the youngster. After school, he transitioned to the Kenya U20 national team, Chipu, where he was part of the team that won the 2024 Barthes Cup after seeing off long-term rivals Zimbabwe.
He explained that the match against Namibia also put their skills to the test.
They, however, defied all manner of odds to emerge 28–24 victorious.
“Last year, I was part of the camp but did not make the team. This time I made the team and I was very happy. The experience was good and we had a good time in Zimbabwe. The tough match was the match against Namibia. It was very tactical. They were good in scrums, backlines, etc. That was my maiden appearance with the U20 team and that gold medal was encouraging. I was in Koyonzo High School,” he averred.
With the taste of victory still fresh, the youngster noted that they were aiming to replicate their performance during the upcoming World Rugby U20 Trophy, slated for July in Scotland.
He was optimistic that they would keep their fine form going.
“I believe that we will do our best to register good results. In the future, I want to play for Kenya Shujaa," he concluded.
In Scotland, they will face tournament debutants the Netherlands and 2023 runners-up Uruguay in Pool B, with the final place to be taken by the winner of the USA-Canada play-off.
