TIME FOR TITLE DEFENCE: Eyes on national rugby Sevens champions St. Peter's in Kakamega County championships

OBAMA 7S RUGBY St Peter's Mumias with Athi Bulls players in action during Obama 7s Rugby Tournament at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Univesrsity of Science and Technology in Bondo over the weekend. 26/07/15. PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA

National secondary schools rugby Sevens champions St. Peter's Mumias have their work cut out as they seek to defend their county, regional and national titles.

Perhaps challenged by former American football quarterback Joseph Namath who opined thus; "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?", they also have their eyes on the East Africa title; nothing else.

Their task at hand is clear; defend their Kakamega County trophy and advance to the Nzoia Region games. But that is the ideal situation. In reality, it will be a gigantic task.

Mumias coach Shimenga Libondo told Feverpitch their focus is on County games, where he knows real battle awaits them.

"Our main objective is to win all trophies including lift the East Africa title, but we can only make that happen if we excel at the lower levels of the competition. We are now focused on qualifying for the regional games," Libondo said.

He singled out heavyweights Musingu and Kakamega High School as their main challengers in the county agenda.

"We have to be at our best especially during the county games because our opponents are too good to be taken for granted. We are the national champions and we are on a mission to retain our titles," Libondo added.

Despite going to battle without five of their key players, who were instrumental in their campaign last year, Libondo is confident his current squad is equal to the task.

"The squad is fairly new because most of them were in form four last year, but they have what it takes to become champions."

He will rely on the services of captain prop Bethuel Anami, half fly Zeden Marrow, winger Alfred Maina and centre Joseck Ondong.

Marrow was instrumental in their 19-7 victory over Kangaru in the national finals last year. Even though, they flopped during the East Africa games and lost 10-12 to Kangaru in the semi-finals, they are ready to make amends.

"We learnt the hard way after underrating Kangaru because they severely punished us for that wrong move. This year we are doing things differently because we are aiming for one victory at a time while not underrating our opponents," he concluded.

For players seeking to join clubs after school, this will be a perfect opportunity to showcase their talent with the hope of impressing club coaches, who will be on a scouting mission during the games.

They will be inspired by their former teammates Blasters Okhonga, Rouxy Suchi and Alfred Amaya, who signed for newly crowned Kenya Cup winners Kabras Sugar, as well as Gabriel Adero (Strathmore Leos).

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