Battleground drawn as Koyonzo and Kakamega scramble for rugby dominance

Koyonzo and Kakamega High battle during a past match.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Western region is truly Kenya's talent hub for rugby.

From national team players (Eugene Sifuna and Kevin Wekesa) and rugby legends including Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange, the region has dominated rugby beyond its borders.

In fact, the current Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Sugar Rugby are from western.

The pride is extended to Kenya secondary schools from the region that keep on producing top talents for local clubs and the national team.

From Thursday, two of the nation's arguably best rugby schools, in Koyonzo Secondary and Kakamega High School, will clash at this year's Western Region secondary school Term One games, which will be at St Mary's Mundika, in Busia County.

Fresh from their 33-9 win over Kakamega High at the Kakamega County final, Koyonzo head coach Oscar Okaron is confident of repeating the same feat.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Okaron, who also coaches Homeboyz rugby team, said nothing will stop them in their quest of marching all the way and lift the East African gong.

"Last year we showed why we are the best rugby team in Kenya by winning the Sevens national title and finishing second in East Africa. This year is different because we tested how sweet victory is and we are hungry for more," said Okaron.

"We give thanks to our principal Boaz Adit for supporting the team and the best thing we can do is reward him with victory. The team has played in several build-up matches leading to the Busia games and we are ready for Thursday."

Kenya's Koyonzo in rugby action against Hannah International School of Uganda during the East Africa School Games in Arusha on September 20, 2022. [Courtesy]

Koyonzo have been pooled alongside Kolanya Boys, Chavakali and Bungoma High School, a pool which captain Darrel Omondi said is easy for the Kakamega County champions.

"Rugby is a culture for us at Koyonzo. We read, eat and sleep rugby. Since 2019, we have been getting ready for this moment, training hard and perfecting every basic we need in the modern way of playing the game," said Omondi.

"We are not underrating anyone, but we are just too good right now. The confidence is important at such stages because it lifts the team even on bad days and we are going to win because we have perfected every position we play," he added.

Kakamega High coach Amos Wamanga, on the other hand, said they will take each game at a time without any pressure. He added that as the defending champions, they have the experience.

"It was unfortunate that we lost in the county final, but we achieved our goal of qualifying for the regionals especially after last year's disappointments with the sevens team," said Wamanga.

"The regional games is a different stage and level and if we meet Koyonzo, I promise you, that will be a different game."

Kenya's Koyonzo in rugby action against Hannah International School of Uganda during the East Africa School Games in Arusha on September 20, 2022. [Courtesy]

Kakamega are in Group A alongside Butula Boy, Kimobo and Vihiga Boys.

Meanwhile, Tigoi Girls will be keen to defend their basketball title when they face Nangina, Luguluu and Butere Girls in Group A.

Tigoi defeated Butere by one basket last year to qualify for the national games and they are keen on repeating the same trick, but first, they need to advance from the group stage.

In Group B, Eregi will clash with Nalondo, Bunyore and Kisoko.

Kakamega High will renew rivalry with Friends School Kamusinga in the boys Group B which also has Chavakali and St Mathias Busia.