SCHOOLS: Kitondo sets sights on national glory ahead of Eastern Region rugby showdown

Kitondo School rugby team. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Eastern Region Secondary School Term One games are poised to offer an electrifying showdown, with Makueni County rugby 15s champions Kitondo School, setting their sights on a historic run to the national finals this year.

Kitondo, who made a commendable journey to the semifinals last year, are bracing for a tough challenge in Group A, where they will lock horns with defending champions, All Saints, alongside formidable opponents, Miathene and Chogoria.

Kitondo School’s rugby coach Michael Satia. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Under the guidance of their head coach, Michael Satia, Kitondo has been rigorously preparing for the regional showdown, with ambitions not just to participate, but to dominate and advance to the national stage.

"Our preparations have been focused and intense. We've analysed our performances of our games last year and identified areas for improvement. Our goal is to reach the national finals and make a significant impact," Satia said.

Kitondo School’s Romani Kimani (left) and Shaquille Ochieng training in preparations for the Term One 2024 secondary school games at the school in Makueni County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kitondo's confidence is sky-high following a remarkable performance in the Makueni County rugby 15s finals, where they showcased their dominance by not conceding a single try throughout the tournament.

The team's journey to the county championship was nothing short of spectacular, with decisive victories over Kikumini (63-0), Kathonzweni (34-0), and Mbooni Boys (24-0) in the group stages.

Kitondo School’s Baguin Ojura (left) and Kenfry Munai training training in preparartions for the Term One 2024 secondary school games at the school in Makueni County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

They continued their formidable form by thrashing Makueni Boys (58-0) and overcoming Kaseko Boys (32-3) in the final.

"Our performance in the county finals was a testament to our hard work, discipline, and team spirit. Whitewashing our opponents and maintaining a solid defense has boosted our confidence immensely," Satia said.

Kitondo School’s rugby team is joined by Chief Principal Richard Mokaya (far left) and coach Michael Satia (far right) during training photo.[Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Building on the momentum from last year when Kitondo clinched the rugby Sevens regional title and made a significant mark at the nationals, the team is eager to replicate and even surpass their previous achievements.

"Last year's success in the rugby Sevens was just the beginning. We're aiming higher this year, and our ultimate goal is to shine at the national level in rugby 15s," Satia added.

Kitondo School’s Chief Pricipal Richard Mokaya during the team training ahead of the 2024 secondary school games at the school in Makueni County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The unwavering support from their principal, Richard Mokaya, has been instrumental in Kitondo's rising rugby program.

"Our Principal's support has been invaluable. From ensuring that we have the necessary resources, to providing moral support, Mokaya has been a cornerstone of our team's success," Satia said.

EASTERN REGION SECONDARY SCHOOL POOLS

Rugby 15s

Group A-All Saints, Mathene, Kitondo, Chogoria

Group B-Kitui, Dakabaricha, Machakos, Ngaremare

Handball Girls

Group A-Kieganguru, Muvitha, Marsabit, Munyuni

Group B-Kwathanze, Katheri, Kyeni, Isiolo

Hanball Boys

Group A-Mbooni, Isiolo, Matuu Day, Marsabit

Group B-Kajiundudhi, Meru School, Kalonzo School, Kevote School