SCHOOLS. Koyonzo, Lenana bag quarters slots as Maseno School bows out

Koyonzo Secondary School Principal Solomon Sisuma (far right) poses with his team after qualifying for the national quarterfinals. [Collins Oduor,Standard]

National rugby Sevens champion Koyonzo Secondary School sailed through to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national games in Kakamega.

The champions won their opening two matches played on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Koyonzo thrashed former heavyweights Shimba Hills from Coast Region 43-0 to build on their opening day 19-0 win over Bwake and qualify for the last eight.

Speaking after making the cut, Koyonzo Secondary School principal Solomon Sisuma said he is happy his team is through to the knockout stages and their goal is to reach the final and qualify for the East Africa games.

“We are happy we are proceeding to the knockout stages. As defending champions, many people expect a lot from us and that is why I am supporting the boys fully,” said Sisuma.

Koyonzo coach Elly Okwemba said they are taking a game at a time and they will retain their title.

“We are under no pressure. My boys are relaxed and we expect to be in Rwanda,” said Okwemba.

Koyonzo will be joined by Bungoma, Vihiga, Lenana and Bwake.

Meanwhile, two-time national Sevens champions Maseno School were knocked out after losing 12-5 to Lenana and Vihiga 36-5.

Maseno coach Steve Oluoch said they have picked vital lessons, especially having played with an inexperienced squad but promised to bounce back stronger next year.

“It’s an achievement for us to get back to the nationals after five years of absence. The boys have got a lot to learn and we pick positives despite the pain of not reaching the knock out stages,” said Oluoch.