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T. NashipaeAll systems go as Kings Shield League Cup takes center stage in Nakuru
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 30.09.23. | 19:51
Overall champions for Under 18 girls will be crowned on October 21
Rugby fans in Gilgil, Nakuru County, are lacing their boots for amazing rugby action that will feature teams under the age of 16 and 18 years.
This year's edition of the Kings Shield League Cup is even bigger, with eight boys' teams and a similar number of ladies' teams expected to be in action.
NYS Primary won both the men's and women's titles in the last edition, and they will be looking to defend their titles.
The matches will be played in a round-robin format; each team will play the other and the winner takes it all.
Speaking on their preparedness for the tournament, Gilgil Pioneer head coach-cum event organizer Allan Bush noted that they were ready to spark new stars from the tournament.
He noted that his charges were ready to stage a repeat of their Kabeberi 7s performance where they defied the energy-snapping temperatures at the RFUEA grounds to emerge winners of the Under 11 and Under 13 age-grade tournaments.
"As a coach, I am ready for the new challenge brought by the teams participating. I know they have put in more work and no one wants to lose and will treat each game as finals.
Other expectations are to try out the young girls (Pioneer Academy) majority are in primary school, and most of them will be making debuts this weekend," Bush told Mozzart Sports.
For the tactician, this year's edition will be bigger and even more competitive as they have spread wings up to the coastal region. Teams like Mombasa Bulldogs have already confirmed participation.
"Hosting this tournament and receiving teams as far as Mombasa we don't take it for granted. This is a confirmation that Gilgil rugby is going places," he disclosed.
He further called on fans, financiers, and well-wishers to turn up and support the youngsters, with the majority of them making their debut on such a stage, in a bid to make Nakuru county a hub of rugby excellence.
"We request our fans out there nothing but an entertaining day full of rugby events, so those who won't make it can follow our pages for details and scores," he offered.
Following this leg, the second edition of this year's Kings Shield League will see all roads head to Bahati, Nakuru on October 21 where the overall champions for Under 18 girls will be crowned.
Bush noted that such tournaments were a big step towards the growth of rugby in not only Nakuru County, but also the country in general.
Girls category
NYS Spades Gilgil
Gilgil Town Secondary
Pioneer Academy
Gilgil Garrison
Nakuru Teachers
New Life
Mombasa Bulldogs
J.M Kariuki
Boys Category
Pool A: Gilgil Garrison, Pioneer Academy, Gilgil town, New life
Pool B: Teachers Rugby, Garrison Secondary, JM Kariuki, Nakuru Kiti
