SCHOOLS: Koyonzo crowned East Africa rugby sevens champions

Koyonzo Secondary School celebrates with the East Africa title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Koyonzo Secondary School from Kakamega County are the 2023 East Africa Rugby Sevens champions.

The two-time national champions saw off arch-rivals Vihiga High School 21-0 to win their first-ever Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSSA) title in Rwanda on Saturday.

Darrel Omondi gave Koyonzo a first-half 7-0 lead after touching down the opening try of the match that was converted by Erick Mbakaya.

In the final half, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby sevens Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jackson Siketa stretched the scores to 14-0 after Mbakaya's second successful conversion.

Brandon 'Beast' Mulefu known for his explosive physical and speed style of play sealed the win with a late try that was converted by Kevin Maiche as Koyonzo won 21-0.

In a journey that can only be described as extraordinary, Koyonzo Secondary School has risen to dominate the world of rugby sevens.

Starting from the humblest of beginnings in Matungu Sub County, they displayed their unwavering commitment to excellence by conquering their local rivals.

This victory catapulted them to the heights of Kakamega County, where they continued their dominance in the sport, and then to the Western Region, where they proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Their remarkable journey reached its pinnacle at the KSSSA Nationals, where they showcased their prowess on a national level. And now, their relentless pursuit of excellence has led them to the grandest stage of all - the East Africa levels.

The Kakamega County champions saw off Kitondo 38-0 to kick off the games on the front foot before following it with 36-0 victory over London College and a 34-10 win over Kiira to finish top of the group unbeaten.

In the semifinals, Koyonzo bullied their way past Jinja Secondary School from Uganda 17-7.

In a riveting final match, Koyonzo Secondary School faced off against Vihiga High School, triumphing with a resounding 21-0 victory to be crowned the new East Africa champions for the very first time in their history.

Their performance on the field was nothing short of exemplary, a culmination of their hard work, dedication, and a strong belief in their abilities.

Koyonzo Secondary School Director of Rugby Oscar Okaron.[Courtesy]

"Our journey from the sub-county level to becoming East Africa champions has been a testament to the passion and commitment of our players. We focused on building a cohesive team, refining our skills, and instilling a winning mentality.

"The journey wasn't without challenges, but the team's determination and perseverance carried us through. We have shown that with the right mindset and relentless effort, success knows no bounds," said Oscar Okaron, Koyonzo Director of Rugby.

Koyonzo Secondary School's rise to East Africa rugby sevens champions is a story of triumph over adversity, of turning dreams into reality through sheer hard work and dedication.

Their victory not only brings honor to their school but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the region.

The legacy they have built will undoubtedly motivate future generations to strive for excellence and leave their mark on the world of sports.