Okaron enchanted after Koyonzo receive Sports Ministry's recognition

Koyonzo High School director of rugby Oscar Okaron has expressed pleasure after the school received support from the ministry of sports as well as the county government of Kakamega following their outstanding performance at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) rugby 7s games.

The side, popularly known as the Stormers, saw off Vihiga High School 21-0 to dethrone defending champions Hana International School.

The Stormers went unbeaten in the sub-county, county, regional, and national games before achieving the remarkable feat of winning their maiden FASSA 7s title.

The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts, Hon. Ababu Namwamba, visited the school and launched an education fund that was designed to provide support to rugby players who excelled in the East African games.

The launch, held at the school's grounds in Matungu Sub-county, was also graced by several dignitaries, including Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Baraza.

The county head expressed his support for the initiative and contributed Ksh 200,000. He also provided Ksh130,000 to the school, which would be distributed to the nearby girls' and primary schools as a token of appreciation for their exceptional support of the rugby team.

The governor further pointed out that the county government would join hands with the national government through the ministry of sports to ensure the speedy completion of the Bukhungu Stadium. The stadium will provide an alternative to KipKeino Stadium, which is set to host the AFCON games. Governor Baraza further doubled the county government's bursary fund from Ksh2 million to KES 4 million.

Okaron noted that the initiative would be a huge relief for the needy students on the team. The current Administration Police coach also pointed out that the kitty would motivate more students to join the sport, increasing the squad's depth.

"We are very happy as the Koyonzo family. Our efforts are finally paying off. I would like to thank CS Sports, Governor Baraza, and everyone that rallies behind the Koyonzo Stormers. This will really help in building our squad as we prepare to take the rugby world by storm. As Koyonzo, we only aim higher, never backward," the former Kabras RFC scrum half averred.

True to his words, on Sunday 1, Koyonzo High School staged a remarkable comeback in the 15s version of the game to emerge winners of the Western Region Prescott Cup High School games with a narrow 5-0 over defending champions Vihiga High School.

The Stormers were making a comeback after being banned from the Western Region Term One games in April after being found culpable of fielding an ineligible player during their tie against Butula Boys High School. They had won the match 12-6. Koyonzo were on course to retain their Western Region Secondary Schools Term One games.

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