SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS KICK OFF ACROSS THE COUNTRY
This week marks the exciting start of the secondary school rugby regional championships as teams battle for a spot in the much-anticipated Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national championships. The prestigious national event will take place in the picturesque Shimo la Tewa coastal region, promising a thrilling showdown of young rugby talent.
Eastern Region Showdown
Defending KSSSA champions All Saints from Embu are set to face fierce competition from top teams across the Eastern Region. Schools from Makueni, Marsabit, Machakos, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Isiolo counties will converge in a bid to dethrone the champions and secure their place at the national championships. The matchups promise high-intensity action and showcase some of the best talent in the region.
Nairobi’s Battle for Supremacy
In the capital city, rugby enthusiasts are in for an electrifying week as top schools battle for the coveted Nairobi title. Upper Hill School is preparing for a high-stakes semifinal clash against Dagoreti High, a fixture that has fans eagerly awaiting kickoff. Meanwhile, The Nairobi School, popularly known as the Patcharians, will take on their arch-rivals, Lenana School, in the other semifinal. With bragging rights and a ticket to the nationals at stake, the competition is set to be fierce.
Western Region: The Heartbeat of Kenyan Rugby
The Western Region, long considered the stronghold of Kenyan school rugby, will host an intense competition featuring powerhouse teams. Musingu High School, fresh off their victory over Kakamega High School in the county semifinals, will go head-to-head with regional giants. St. Peters, Mukinda, Kumusinde, Vihiga High, Kolanya High, Bungoma High, and Senende High School will all be in contention, setting the stage for one of the most hotly contested regional tournaments.
Nyanza Region: Will Kisii win the Championship Title?
Kisii High will look to extend their dominance in the Nyanza Region as they take on formidable opponents. St. Mary’s Yala, a school renowned for producing legendary players like Lavin Asego and current KCB coach Oliver Mang’eni, will be among the favorites in the title race. Other competitors include Gekano, Rapogi High, Nyabondo, Anjego, Cardinal Otunga High, and Agoro Sare High School. The Nyanza Region tournament is expected to deliver edge-of-the-seat action as schools fight for regional glory.
Central Region: Can Mangu Defend Their Crown?
All eyes will be on Mangu High School, the reigning Central Region champions, as they defend their title. Fresh from a dominant county final victory against Kiambu High, Mangu will face stiff opposition from schools across Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga counties. With a rich rugby heritage, the region is set to deliver a thrilling contest.
Rift Valley Region: A Wide Open Contest
The Rift Valley Region, the largest in the country, features a fiercely competitive field with nearly twelve schools vying for the title. St. Patrick’s Iten, the defending regional champions, recently edged past Menengai High in a thrilling 6-5 encounter. Other top contenders include Kabianga High, Bwake Boys, Kapsabet High, Poroko, Longisa Boys, Ortum, Lakeel, Katilu High, AIC Chebisas, Baringo High, and Ndururi High. The race for national qualification promises intense battles across the region.
Coastal Region: The Hosts Look to Capitalize
As the host region, the Coastal teams are determined to make their mark. The regional championship will see eight top teams compete for the two available slots at the national event. The contenders include Marafa, Waa Boys, Tononoka, St. Mary’s Lushangonyi, Tarasaa, Malindi, Mwavumbo, and Serani. With the advantage of fielding two teams in the nationals, the Coastal teams will be looking to leverage home support to secure their spots.
With the regional battles in full swing, schools across the country are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for national glory. The road to Shimo la Tewa is paved with skill, and determination, as Kenya’s young rugby stars showcase their talent in pursuit of championship glory.
