Schools: Captain Ochieng to lead team in Term 2 A national games

Maseno out to reclaim lost glory

Brian Juma of Maseno High school, Kenya in action during East Secondary School Games rugby match against St. Familia of Rwanda at University of Dar se salaam, Tanzania on 25-08-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

After losing to St Mary's Yala in 15s rugby, former champs not ready to go that route again.

Former Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national rugby Sevens champions Maseno School will be out to recapture their crown at this year's national Term Two A games that begin tomorrow at Shimo La Tewa School, Mombasa.

The five-time national champions have vowed to settle for nothing less.

Having missed the 15s rugby ticket to national Term One games after a 12-0 loss to St Mary's Yala in Nyanza Region finals, they are determined to seize the opportunity and salvage their pride.

Oozing confidence, Maseno coach Paul Nyamita said his charges are equal to task.

"We have always excelled in rugby Sevens even though we fizzled out in the last two years. But we are ready to reclaim our lost glory," Nyamita said.

The coach added that after their defeat to Yala, they carried home invaluable lessons that will go a long way in ensuring their triumph in the shorter version of the game.

"A porous defence was our major undoing in the 15s contest. We have worked very hard to improve and I believe that our defenders will deliver."

Maseno beat St Joseph's Rapogi 22-7 to win the Nyanza Region title. They will rely on the services of captain Benjamin Ochieng, Philemon Junior, and Brian Ayimba, a son of former Shujaa coach Benjamin Ayimba. The trio was instrumental in the school's regional campaign.

But first they need to deal with Nairobi winners Muhuri Muchiri and Nairobi School, Menengai and Simotwo of Rift Valley, Kangaru and Katwanyaa of Eastern, Alliance and Kagumo of Central, Rapogi (Nyanza), Bungoma High (Western) and four Coast representatives - Mghalu, Kaya Tiwi, Galana, and hosts Shimo La Tewa.