Kenya’s top rugby 7s teams are set to renew their fierce rivalry at the 21st edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSA) games, scheduled to take place next week in Mbale, Uganda. The highly anticipated tournament will see the newly crowned national champions, Friends School Bwake, alongside Vihiga Boys, St Mary’s School Yala, and Kisii School, representing Kenya in this prestigious competition.
The Kenyan teams will face stiff competition from some of the best rugby schools in the region. Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School, London School of St Lawrence, Dr Obote College, and Kiira College will be formidable opponents, while Rwanda will be represented by G.S Gitisi. The games, set to be played at the Mbale Rugby Union grounds, will follow a round-robin format, ensuring that every match is crucial for the teams aiming for the top spot.
Friends School Bwake enters the tournament on a high after a dramatic and hard-fought 19-14 victory over Vihiga Boys in the national finals held at Kisii School last week. The win secured their position as Kenya’s national champions and made them a team to watch in the upcoming FEASSA games. Coached by Cleophas Mikisi, Bwake’s success has been built on a combination of skill, determination, and strategic gameplay, which they will need to replicate in Uganda to bring the trophy home.
With the absence of regional champions Koyonzo, the stage is set for a new champion to emerge. St Mary’s School Yala, another strong contender, is coming into the tournament with high expectations. Yala’s coach, George Kerima, has confidently declared his team as favorites, vowing to bring the FEASSA trophy back to Kenya. Despite their controversial semi-final loss to Bwake in the national competition, Kerima believes his team has what it takes to dominate in Uganda.
Vihiga Boys, under the guidance of coach Abdalla Abubakar, also have their sights set on victory. Abubakar has expressed confidence in his squad, particularly highlighting the talents of Melvin Mweresa, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the national championships. Vihiga’s focus on commitment, endurance, and teamwork will be critical as they strive to claim the FEASSA title.
The inaugural girls’ rugby 7s competition will also be a major highlight of the FEASSA games. Kenya will be represented by St Joseph’s Girls High Kitale, Kinale Secondary, St Theresa’s Kithimu, and Nyagichenche Mixed. These teams are set to face tough opposition from Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School, Nkoma Secondary School, PMM Girls, and Kijjibweni. The girls’ tournament, like the boys’, will follow a round-robin format, with each team battling it out for the top position.
Kinale Secondary’s coach, Allan Bush, has set his sights on a top-two finish, expressing confidence that his team is well-prepared for the challenge. “At the nationals, St Joseph’s Kitale won the battle, but they should expect a war in Uganda. I expect some good rugby and exposure for the girls,” Bush said, signaling his team’s determination to put up a strong fight in Mbale.
Meanwhile, St Joseph’s coach, Godwin Alumada, is equally confident, warning their rivals that they are heading to Uganda with the trophy in mind. Alumada’s team, which has shown great promise throughout the season, is aiming to continue their winning streak and establish themselves as the top girls’ rugby 7s team in the region.
As the FEASSA games approach, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The competition will not only test the skills and strategies of the participating teams but also their mental and physical endurance. The Kenyan teams, with their history of success in rugby, are eager to assert their dominance and bring home the coveted FEASSA trophy.
In addition to the boys’ and girls’ rugby 7s, the FEASSA games will also feature the rugby 15s competition. Kenya’s national champions, All Saints Embu, will face off against Lenana High School, St Mary’s Kisubi, and Namilyango College from Uganda in Pool ‘A’. Pool ‘B’ will see Kings College Budo, Makerere College, Butula Boys, and Kitondo Secondary School battling for supremacy.
The FEASSA games in Uganda represent a significant opportunity for Kenyan schools to showcase their rugby prowess on a regional stage. With the talent, preparation, and determination displayed by the participating teams, Kenya is well-positioned to make a strong impact in both the rugby 7s and 15s competitions. As the teams prepare to head to Uganda, the entire nation will be watching, eager to see if they can bring home the glory and further solidify Kenya’s reputation as a rugby powerhouse in East Africa.
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