SCHOOLS: Otieno Oyoo pray for perfect national rugby sevens debut in Kisii

Kisii School Rugby team in action against Otieno Oyoo (right) during Regional Secondary school games at Cardinal Otunga high school Mosocho.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Otieno Oyoo High School from Kisumu County is set to make a memorable debut at the national games, facing Nairobi School in their opening match on Monday at the Kisii School rugby grounds from 8am.

The team from Nyando Sub County has already made history this year by not only qualifying for the nationals but also finishing fourth at the regionals, where they were making their debut.

The driving force behind Otieno Oyoo's remarkable rise is Boaz Adit, the former principal of Koyonzo Secondary School. Adit joined Otieno Oyoo last year and has transformed the school into a rugby powerhouse in the Nyanza region within just a year and a half.

"We focused on discipline, hard work, and strategic training to build a competitive team," Adit said. "By instilling a strong work ethic and ensuring the boys believed in their potential, we created a formidable rugby squad."

Adit is confident that Otieno Oyoo can achieve a podium finish on their first attempt. "The boys have shown tremendous growth and resilience. I believe we can surprise many by finishing among the top teams," he added.

Interestingly, Otieno Oyoo is pooled alongside Koyonzo in Group A, which also includes Nairobi School and Malindi School. Adit sees this as an opportunity for his team to measure their progress by playing against the defending champions.

"The chance to play against Koyonzo will be a great test for us. It will show us where we stand and how far we need to go to become national champions," Adit remarked.

Koyonzo will kick off the games with a date against Malindi at 10.24am before Otieno Oyoo face Nairobi. Vihiga High School will then face Alliance as Bwake play Upper Hill in the fourth match.

KSSSA National Rugby Sevens Fixtures and Time

8:00 AM - Madira vs Paul Harris

8:18 AM - Karen C vs Sidindi

8:36 AM - Mbaikalu vs Kinale

8:54 AM - St Joseph's vs Dagoretti

9:12 AM - Nyakach vs Ruru

9:30 AM - Nyakongo vs Shimba Hills

9:48 AM - Mwuuti vs St Theresa

10:06 AM - JM Karuki vs Nyangichenche

10:24 AM - Koyonzo vs Malindi

10:42 AM - Nairobi School vs Otieno Oyo

11:00 AM - Vihga vs Alliance

11:18 AM - Bwake vs Upper Hill

11:36 AM - Yala vs Mpesa

11:54 AM - Kisii vs Lushangon

12:12 PM - Meru School vs Kangaru

12:30 PM - Kabianga vs Anjego

12:48 PM - Madira vs Sidindi

1:06 PM - Karen C vs Paul Harris

1:24 PM - Mbaikalu vs Dagoretti

1:42 PM - St Joseph's vs Kinale

2:00 PM - Nyakach vs Shimba Hills

2:18 PM - Nyakongo vs Ruru

2:36 PM - Mwuuti vs Nyagichenche

2:54 PM - JM Karuki vs St Theresa

3:12 PM - Koyonzo vs Otieno Oyo

3:30 PM - Nairobi School vs Malindi

3:48 PM - Vihga vs Upper Hill

4:06 PM - Bwake vs Alliance

4:24 PM - Yala vs Lushangon

4:42 PM - Kisii vs Mpesa

5:00 PM - Meru School vs Anjego

5:18 PM - Kabianga vs Kangaru