SCHOOLS: St Mary's Yala ready to defend Nyanza Region rugby sevens title

St Mary's Yala ANgelo Makori in action during the Siaya County games.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The battle for national slots is set to ignite fierce competition as Nyanza Region Secondary School Term Two games begin today at Kisii School and Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School, in Kisii County.

The event will see schools vie for a chance to represent the region at the national finals, which will also be in Kisii next month.

In rugby Sevens, all eyes will be on defending champions, St Mary's School Yala.

St Mary's Yala coach George Kerima. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Yala's coach George Kerima expressed his confidence in the team's preparation and strategy for navigating through Group A, which includes hosts Cardinal Otunga and Gekamo.

"We have trained well and focused on improving our defensive and offensive strategies. Playing against strong teams like Cardinal Otunga will be challenging, but we are ready. Our goal is to take each game as it comes, ensuring that we maintain our focus and composure," said Kerima.

St Mary's Yala in action against Ambira High School.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Yala will kick off their title defense against hosts Cardinal Otunga.

Maseno School will play in the next match against Gendia, while Homa Bay giants Agoro Sare will face Nyakongo.

In another anticipated clash, Kisii School will go head-to-head with Rapogi Boys from Migori in the other opening matches.