Kisii School’s rugby coach, Edwin Morara, has issued a stern warning to rival schools ahead of the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Rugby 15s Championship. Morara is confident that his team will defend their title for a third consecutive year in the regional competition, set to take place at St. Joseph’s Rapogi in Migori County from March 18 to 22.
The reigning champions will, however, face stiff competition from Nyanza rugby powerhouses, including St. Mary’s School Yala, Maseno School, and an emerging contender, Friends’ School Anjego, coached by veteran tactician J.J. Masime. Both Maseno and Yala are determined to dethrone Kisii after falling short in the last two years, making this year’s regional showdown a highly anticipated contest.
Coach Morara is not taking any chances and has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to dominate not only at the regional level but also on the national stage. “I believe we have a better team than in the last two years. Our target is to win both the regional and national titles. We want to represent Kenya at the East Africa Games in Nakuru,” said Morara.
Despite their success at the regional level, Kisii School has struggled at the national championships in recent years due to stage fright, inexperience, and underestimating opponents. Morara, however, believes that those challenges have been addressed, and his team is now mentally prepared for the big stage. “Kisii School is now a powerhouse in rugby in Nyanza, and we want to continue our dominance,” he added.
To fine-tune their preparations, Kisii School recently clinched victory at the Kisii School Open Tournament, edging out Kibabii Boys 15-13 in a thrilling final. The team is now eyeing two more tournaments before the official start of the school calendar to ensure they are in top form for the regional showdown.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho, will host the Kisii County Term One games from March 4 to 7. According to Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) secretary Geoffrey Nyantika, all sub-counties must conduct their championships by February 22. The Term One games will feature rugby 15s, basketball, hockey, handball, swimming, and athletics.
Initially, Kisii School was considered as a venue, but it was ruled out due to the lack of a running track. With just a few weeks left before the regional championships, Kisii School is leaving nothing to chance as they prepare to defend their title and cement their place among the top rugby schools in Kenya.
