National Rugby Sevens' champions Koyonzo have thrown the gauntlet ahead of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association games set for August 17 to 27 in Huye, Rwanda. 

Head coach Eliud Okwemba said their target in Rwanda is to win the regional trophy. " This is the only trophy that is missing in our cabinet,” he noted.

“We have had a perfect championship here in Kenya from sub-county to nationals. We now want to end our season with the East Africa trophy,” said a buoyant Okwemba.

Koyonzo defeated regional rivals Vihiga 22-12 to retain the national title at the Bull Ring in Kakamega last week.

“Last year, we lost the deciding game against St Anna International School. This year, the teams have been pooled, unlike last year when we played in a round-robin. I have looked at the draw and it’s fair. I’m not afraid of any team. My boys are raring to go,” noted Okwemba.

Okwemba further said he has maintained 10 out of the 12 players who represented the team at last year’s competition in Arusha, Tanzania.

Koyonzo are in Pool ‘A’ alongside Kenya’s Kitondo Secondary, Kiira College, and London School from Uganda. Kenya’s other representatives Vihiga High and St Mary’s Yala are in Pool ‘B’  alongside Jinja Senior School, Makerere College and Rwanda’s GS Gitisi.St Mary's Yala celebrate with the Nyanza region trophy

Meanwhile, St Mary’s Yala’s coach Ken Mukok has revealed that they are plotting to turn the tables on Kenyan teams in Rwanda.

“We have been working on perfecting our defence and offence since Saturday. I’m working with the Kabras Sugar technical bench before we leave for Rwanda,” said Mukok.

He added: “We have actually over-achieved because our target was to qualify for the East Africa Games. However, we are going to Rwanda not only to compete but also to enjoy ourselves.”

Butula Boys will lead Kenya’s hunt for the 15’s title alongside All Saints and St Anthony’s Kitale. Uganda will be represented by champions Namilyango College, Kinga College Buddo, and St. Mary's College Kisubi.