SCHOOLS: St Mary's Yala eye return to East Africa Games

Abel Oyaro of St Mary's Yala (right) leaves Maseno players for dead during the Nyanza Region finals.[Sammy Omingo,Standard[

St Mary’s School Yala are determined to return to the East Africa Games, setting their sights on the KSSSA national finals set to commence on Sunday at Kisii School.

With a renewed sense of purpose and rigorous preparations, Yala’s rugby Sevens team aims to replicate and surpass their historic performance from last year.

In 2023, Yala made headlines by qualifying for the East Africa Games in Rwanda for the first time.

This landmark achievement has set a high benchmark for the team, and new tactician George Kerima is confident in their ability to achieve this feat once again.

St Mary's Yala Boys rugby team performsa a haka after their match against Anjego Secondary school team at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho during Nyanza Region Secondary school games.(Sammy Omingo,Standard)

Kerima, who took the helm earlier this year, has been instrumental in honing the team’s skills and strategies. Yala continued with their dominance in the Nyanza Region, clinching the rugby Sevens championship earlier this month.

They secured the title with an impressive 24-5 victory over Anjego Mixed Secondary School in the finals held at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho in Kisii. This win has bolstered their confidence as they head into the national finals.

Coach George Kerima has outlined a robust tactical plan for the upcoming nationals.

“Our focus is on maintaining a solid defense while exploiting any gaps in the opponent’s formation with swift counter-attacks,” he said. “We have been working tirelessly on our agility and coordination to ensure we can execute our plans flawlessly.”

Kerima is optimistic about their chances at the nationals, aiming to improve on last year’s performance where they finished third in Kakamega.

“Last year was a significant milestone for us, but we are not settling for third place this time. The team is in excellent shape, and we are determined to bring home the national title,” he added.

St Mary's Yala Principal Victor Makanda (center) joins his students in performing the 'haka'.[Washington Onyangpo,Standard]

Yala will face Otieno Oyoo, MPESA Foundation Academy and Saint Mary’s Lusungani in the group stages.

As Yala prepare for the nationals, they are aware of the stiff competition they will face.

From Nyanza Region, Yala will be joined by Anjego, the runner-up, and Kisii School, who clinched bronze medal.

In Central Region, Alliance High and Mpesa Foundation Academy have emerged as champions and runner-up, respectively.

The Eastern Region will be represented by champions Meru School and Kangaru School, who finished second at the regionals.

In Western Region, defending national champions Koyonzo Boys and Vihiga High School secured their places in the nationals.

The girls’ category also features strong contenders. Nyakach Girls and ambitious Nyaginchenche will represent the Nyanza Region, while Kinale Girls and Ruiru Girls will carry the flag for the Central Region.

Muvuti and Saint Theresa will compete for the Eastern Region, and Paul Harris and Shimba Hills will represent the Coastal Region. Saint Joseph's Kitale and JM Kariuki Girls from the Rift Valley Region, along with Madira Girls and Mbakalo Girls from the Western Region, complete the lineup.

KSSSA Rugby Sevens pools

Group A-Koyonzo, Upper Hill, Malindi High, Kisii School

Group B-Vihiga, Kabianga Boys, Alliance High, Nairobi School

Group C-Saint Mary's Yala, Otieno Oyoo, MPESA Academy, Saint Mary's Lusungani

Group D-Meru School, Bwake Boys, Kangaru High,  Anjego