Nairobi secondary schools’ rugby 7s champions Upper Hill have been drawn in an easy pool for the zonal qualifiers at Nairobi School on Saturday.
The holders will face Embakasi Garrison, Peter Kibukosya and Mwiki School in Pool ‘A’.
Coach Eustace Sifuna believes they are prepared for the rigours of the shorter version of the game.
“I believe the boys are ready. We are coming from the 15s season but have adjusted accordingly. We are ready for the battle ahead, which is going to be competitive,” noted Sifuna.
Last season’s runners-up, Nairobi School, headline Pool ‘B’ alongside minnows Garden Estate, Muhuri Muchiri and Mutuini School.
Nairobi School coach Allan Wanjohi said they will take one game at a time as they set their sights on winning the overall crown.
“We came second last year, losing to Upper Hill, which was commendable progress. This being a new season, we will take one game at a time and see where we end up. The boys are in good shape and are well prepared for the start of the programme,” said Wanjohi.
Ofafa Jericho will fancy their chances against Sunshine, Ushirika and Utawala in Pool ‘C’.
Ofafa coach James Kaili said: “We have been training for the past month. We know it’s going to be quite competitive. The nature of Sevens is unpredictable.”
Lenana School, who were fourth in last year’s regional championships, are in Pool ‘D’ alongside Aquinas, Kangemi and Our Lady of Fatima.
Pool ‘E’ will see Dagoretti High up against Hospital Hill, Highway, Dagoretti Mixed and Langata Secondary, while Jamhuri, Moi Forces Academy, Strathmore and Dandora clash in Pool ‘F’
In the girls’ category, Karen ‘C’ Secondary will be the frontrunners against State House Girls’, Ushirika and Our Lady of Fatima in Pool ‘A’.
Pool ‘B’ has Dagoretti Mixed, Garden Estate, New Dawn Girls’ and Mbagathi Girls’.
Kibera Secondary face neighbours Kibera GSA, St Claire Nembu, Ushirika Secondary and Buruburu Secondary in Pool ‘C’.
The boys’ teams will be ranked after the preliminary matches, with the top 16 sides progressing to the regional set for July 12 in a yet-to-be-determined venue.
The top two boys’ and girls’ teams at the regional championships will represent Nairobi at the nationals set for Kakamega from July 28 to August 2.
by WILLIAM NJUGUNA
