Kabianga High School looking to cause upset in Prescott nationals

Kabianga High School's rugby coach Joseph Amollo Okoth has sent a stern warning to their opponents ahead of the 2023 Prescott Cup nationals set for October 12-14 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The Kericho-based team qualified for the nationals after edging arch rivals Menengai High School 6-0 in a closely contested final to be crowned the kings of the Rift Valley region.

The side that was retaining their Rift Valley title, will be looking to exceed expectations in the nationals that will bring together top school teams from across the country.

They qualified for the Prescott Cup regional semis by virtue of topping their pool in the matches that were played in a round robin format.

They would then hold down Koilel Forces 10-0 in the semis, before overpowering Menengai High School 6-0 in the nail-biting finals.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the tactician noted that they were thoroughly sharpening claws ahead of the mini 'World Rugby U20 trophy'.

"Since we qualified for the nationals, we have really been engaging the boys in strenuous exercises. Basically we are looking for more fitness. We go for gymnastics," he averred.

The finals come at a tricky time when the students are sitting for their end term exams. The third term officially began on August 28 and will run until October 27, 2023.

The gaffer praised his charges' zeal, noting that they were multitasking pretty well.

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"Because we are nearing the end term period and we are up with our exams, we begin our training at 4:15 - 5:30 pm to give boys enough time to study," he disclosed.

In an attempt to further strengthen the squad, the tactician revealed that they were giving the players a special diet to boost their immunity and strength.

He further revealed that they were working on areas that let them down during the finals, including their backline, noting that they were eyeing the overall title.

"Our main undoing was our backline. They were slow in moving the ball, their passes. We have been doing more passes and more training in our backline, so that we try and make the ball flow easily. We separated the team into three; the backline, the forwards, and the centers. They have been training alone," Okoth told Mozzart Sport.

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"We are basically expecting to lift the trophy at the national level," he concluded.

Kabianga have been placed in pool A that sees them lock horns with Koyonzo High School, St Augustine High School, and St Mary's Yala.

Pool A: Koyonzo Boys High School, St Augustine High School, Kabianga High School, and St Mary's Yala.

Pool B: Kisii High School, Ofafa Jericho, Alliance High, Vihiga Boys, and Ngong Township Secondary school.