St Mary's Yala ready to roar to national rugby sevens glory

St Mary's Yala's Chirs Kenneth leads his teammates in performing the Haka after a match. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Nyanza rugby sevens champions St Mary's School Yala are confident of performing better when the national games will kick off on Friday, September 9 at the Nakuru Boys High School in Nakuru County.

Yala became the new kings of rugby during the Nyanza region Secondary School games after their explosive performances and never die spirit saw them knock out heavyweights Maseno School and dethrone defending champions Agoro Sare.

Chris Kenneth scored a last gasp try after the hooter as Yala withstood pressure from Kisii County champions Nduru Boys to win 12-7 during the Nyanza region games played at Asumbi in Homa Bay last weekend.

Speaking ahead of the national games, Yala rugby head coach Kenneth Mukok said his side are impressive but not where he want them to be.

Mukok believes team has the character to reach, play and win the finals despite an array of good teams including Western region heavyweights Koyonzo Secondary, Butula boys and the likes of Menengai High, Dagoretti High, Alliance and Kabianga.

"My team is well drilled and we have the skills for sevens. Despite the transition challenge from 15s to sevens this year, we still have a chance at it. We have to be clinical and ensure excellent execution of what we have."

"We are working very hard in each training session and polishing the various areas that ought to be; some of which were exposed during the regionals. I believe we shall compete well at the nationals," said Mukok.