Kakamega seek to reclaim rugby15s gong

Kakamega High School of Kenya celebrates winning the East Africa Secondary School rugby trophy at Kipchoge Stadium on September 3. PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO

Western Region sports giants Kakamega are praying that the 15s rugby gods will favour them as they seek to reclaim the national title at this year’s Secondary Schools Term One Games which will start on Tuesday at Nairobi School.

Even though they rule the region, the reigning East Africa champions have not done well at home for the last three years.

They last won the national trophy in 2013 and failed to successfully defend it in 2014 after falling to perennial rivals St Peters Mumias. In 2015 and 2016 they finished third nationally.

Kakamega coach Amos Wamanga said that the standards of the game have improved.

“Our target is the trophy, but I know it will not be easy because all teams that made it to the nationals are prospective champions.

“All schools have upped their game and there is stiff competition from the sub-County which is good for the game because the standards have improved,” Wamanga said.

He said his players are determined to recapture the crown.

They face an uphill task and they will have to be at their best to overcome their opponents, among them former champions seeking to regain their status.

Kakamega has six national and five East Africa titles.

Laiser Hill Academy will also be out to salvage the title they won in 2015 before completing a double in Huye, Rwanda.

Returning to Rift Valley from the now defunct Metropolitan Region, Laiser booked a place at the nationals after a one year absence.

Kakamega and Laiser Hill will renew their rivalry in Group B in what has been termed as a final before the final.

The group also has hosts and two-time national champions Nairobi School — who will be banking on home support — as well as Galana of Coast Region.

St Marys Yala of Nyanza will be seeking to make their presence in Group A.

They will fight for a semis slot against homeboys Upper Hill, Kangaru and Alliance. [Elizabeth Mburugu]