Koyonzo out to shine as 2023 National Prescott Cup pools are announced

The pools for the 2023 edition of the Prescott Cup that will go down at the RFUEA Grounds from October 12–14 have been released. Top schools from across the country's regions are set to compete in what can be termed a mini 'World Rugby U20 trophy.'

Pool A features Western Region champions Koyonzo High School, Kabianga Boys, who emerged top in Rift Valley, the Eastern Region's conquerors, St. Augustine, Coastal giants Malindi High School, and St. Mary's Yala.

Koyonzo, popularly known as the Stormers, are fresh from winning the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSSA) rugby 7s games that were played in Huye, Rwanda, in August. They will be looking to showcase their rugby prowess in front of the Kenyan audience this weekend.

Stormers' director of rugby, Oscar Okaron, revealed that the boys are now more motivated than ever, noting that they were looking to add yet another feather to their already decorated cabinet.

"We will be out to showcase the true Koyonzo spirit. The boys are ready to bring another title home. We have worked on areas we felt might let us down, and we are ready to take on our opponents. Koyonzo fans should expect nothing but the best," he offered.

In Pool B, rugby fans will be treated to mouthwatering clashes featuring Nyanza region champions Kisii School, Nairobi region dominators Ofafa Jericho, Central Top Dogs Alliance Boys, Prescott Cup defending champions Vihiga High School, and Ngong Township Secondary School.

Kisii High School tactician Astone Lee promised fans a spectacular show this weekend, noting that his boys were ready to bring home the coveted title.

"We are hoping to thrash our opponents and assert our rugby dominance in not only the Nyanza region but also the country in general. Fans can only expect the best from these determined boys," Lee averred.

The organizers, led by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) development officer Ronald Okoth, explained that all the competing players in this edition will be under 18 years old, and no form fours will participate.

Initially, the three-day championship was supposed to be held at St. Mary's Yala, but due to logistical challenges, the teams were forced to play at the RFUEA Grounds.

"The change in venue was occasioned by the fact that this term is an exam term, so we have not secured a school to host the event. So, we brought the games to Nairobi and offered teams a chance to participate here," he revealed.

The development officer also revealed that the games would serve as a curtain-raiser for the much-anticipated Impala Floodlights. Floodies will kick off on Saturday, October 14, starting with the quarterfinal stage before the battle heads to the semifinal stage on October 21. The competition will culminate on October 23, when the grand finale will be staged.

The Prescott Cup is an inter-school competition inaugurated in 1967, with the sole objective being to develop rugby in Kenya at the age-grade level. The inaugural participants of the tournament were Rift Valley Academy, Nairobi School, and Lenana School.

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

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

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