Unheralded Bokoli Boys out to write new Rugby 7s order at Nationals

Bokoli Boys Rugby 7s head coach Eliud Okwemba is confident they have enough tools to rewrite the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national order during the Term Two Games scheduled to run from July 28 to August 1 at M-Pesa Academy in Thika.

Okwemba, who guided Koyonzo to their first regional and national title in 2023, aims to achieve the same feat with the Bungoma County based school, and winning the Western regional title gives him the confidence to go all the way.

“The Western region has always produced national powerhouses in rugby. When I was at Koyonzo, the title would revolve around Koyonzo, Butula, St. Peters, Kakamega, and Bungoma. Since we are the champions we believe we can continue the tradition,” said Okwemba.

The Falcons stunned giants Butula Boys 14-0 to lift the regional title after overcoming reigning champions St. Peters Mumias 12-07 in the semis.

Okwemba credited the result to the hard work and impressive shifts his boys put in during their title run.

“We had proper preparations. We didn’t break for our April holidays as we focused on improving the team. I’m glad the hard work paid off.”

He added that the experience of reaching the top level with his previous school played a key role in their title triumph.

The experienced tactician expects stiff competition at the national stage but says his team is in good shape with training hitting top gear and all eyes on the title.

“This is totally a different stage from the regional competition as we are meeting other regional giants. However, we are ready to compete and edge them and our team is fully fit and up to the task,” noted Okwemba.

Okwemba previously helped Bungoma High School clinch the 2016 national 15s title before moving to Koyonzo.

At Koyonzo, Okwemba helped the Kakamega-based school ascend to their first national title in 2022 before helping them defend their crown in 2023 while winning their maiden East African title.

Bokoli will learn their group stage opponents when the draws are conducted after the referees’ clinics on July 27, 2026.