SCHOOLS: St Mary's Yala qualifies for East Africa games for the first time in rugby sevens

Dennis Akwiri of St Mary's School Yala (right) in action against Kitondo. [Collins Oduor,Standard]

Nyanza rugby giants St Mary's School Yala on Friday made history at the ongoing 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) National Rugby sevens finals after qualifying for the East Africa games for the first time in their history.

Yala who lost only two matches out of the total six games thrashed Kitondo 40-5 in the third-place playoffs to win bronze and book the last ticket for the East Africa Secondary School games that will be held in Rwanda from August 19.

Speaking after qualifying for East Africa, Yala head coach Kenneth Mukok said he is proud of his boys and they won't disappoint in Rwanda.

Mukok applauded the St Mary's Yala management for supporting the team when it needed it most.

St Mary's Yala head coach Kenneth Mukok (right) and his assistant George Kerima.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

"Congratulations to the boys. This is big for Yala. Getting to East Africa is no mean feat and we will fly Kenya's flag high in Rwanda.

"The journey has just begun for Yala not only in rugby but also in other disciplines come next year," said the English Literature teacher.

Koyonzo Secondary School and Mwira Mixed Secondary School from Kakamega were crowned the boys and girls champions respectively.

Koyonzo retained the title they won last year after withstanding a late Vihiga High School comeback attempt to win 22-12 in an entertaining boys rugby sevens final played at the Bull Ring.

On the other hand, Mwira Mixed Secondary School won the national girls rugby sevens title after defeating Gilgil Girls 10-5 to win their maiden gong.