T. NashipaeKoyonzo pip Vihiga to be crowned EA rugby 7s champions
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 26.08.23. | 16:18
It was the third time Koyonzo and Vihiga were meeting in a major final.
Koyonzo Stormers are the new East Africa rugby 7s champions after defeating Vihiga High School 21-0 in the FEASSSA rugby 7s finals played at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday, 26 August.
The Elly Okwemba-coached side successfully dethroned defending champions Hana International School.
It was the third time Koyonzo and Vihiga were meeting in a major final. Prior to this meeting, the boys had met at the KSSSA regional finals played at the Bullring in Kakamega, with the Stormers emerging 17-7 victorious.
Their second meeting was during the KSSSA rugby 7s national finals played at the same BullRing Grounds with Koyonzo hitting Vihiga 22-12.
Today, the familiar foes met yet again, this time in a different country, with both sides hungry for the coveted title.
It was Darrel Omondi who opened the scoresheet for Koyonzo with a five-pointer that was converted by Erick Mbakaya.
A few minutes after the opening try, the immensely talented Jackson Siketa danced through their opponents’ defence to score a second try. Mbakaya’s magical boots added the extras.
Brandon Mulefu scored the final try that was converted by Kevin Maiche to see the scores climb to 21-0 before the sound of the final whistle, sending tears of joy from the Stormers’ fraternity.
The Stormers have not tasted a loss since they set foot in Rwanda. They kicked off their pool matches on a high by seeing off Kitondo High 38-0. Their fine form continued when they knocked down Uganda’s London College 34-0 in the second pool match.
They then saw off Uganda’s Kiira College 34-10 to book a slot in the semifinal. At this stage, they defeated Jinja Senior School 17-7 to cruise to the final stage before their win against Vihiga in the all-western final.
Stormers’ director of rugby Oscar Okaron dedicated the win to God, noting that the journey has not been an easy one.
“I am proud of what we have achieved today. This is history made. I am grateful to God, and the entire Koyonzo fraternity. We will always make you proud,” the audibly excited Okaron said.
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