Koyonzo Stormers upbeat ahead of KSSSA nationals

Koyonzo Stormers head coach Elly Okwemba has exuded confidence ahead of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby 7s nationals games set for Kakamega High School from August 8-12. This will be the second time the Stormers will be featuring in the KSSSA rugby 7s nationals.

Last year, Koyonzo capped their historic maiden KSSSA rugby 7s national appearance on a high after defeating Butula High School 31-0 in the finals played in Nakuru.

This year, the Stormers will be up against stronger opponents who will be battling in the nationals to qualify for the East Africa Games for the second time in a row. They are joined by Western Region opponents Vihiga High School, Bungoma, and Kimobo High School.

Koyonzo stormed to the finals stage following victories over Kolanya High (36-5) in the quarterfinals and Komobo High (27-0) in the semifinals. In the pool stage, the Stormers registered wins over Bungoma High (21-7), Ebusiloli High (50-0), and Nyangori High (30-0).

According to Koyonzo Stormers head coach Elly Okwemba, the side has been meticulously sharpening claws ahead of the much-anticipated finals.

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"We are preparing and hope to approach the nationals stronger than we approached the regionals. The injuries we had have fully recovered. At the regionals, we had only eight players who would play and one among the eight was not fit," Okwemba explained.

Okwemba also noted that the boys have been polishing their set pieces as they prepare to face tough opponents. His confidence also stemmed from the presence of a fire squad.

The Stormers will enjoy the services of Brandon Mulefu who was out on injury, as well as Darren Omondi who is a key player for the Western Region rugby superpowers. Michael Kiptoo and Maxwell Kipsang will also make a grand return after suffering injuries in the build-up to the nationals.

"It is a tournament of finalists. We do not take any team for granted. We have worked on our set pieces and we are working effectively," Okwemba concluded.

Regional Rugby Champions

Western - Koyonzo Stormers, Butula, Bungoma, Kimobo

Central - Alliance High, Magumu High

Rift Valley - Menengai High, Nanyuki, Kabianga, Ngong Township

Coast - Garashi High, Shimba Hills

Nairobi - Upper Hill, Ofafa Jericho

Eastern - Kitondo High, Kang'aru High

Nyanza - St Mary's Yala, Nduru High