Coaches, captains elated following introduction of girls’ rugby 7s to KSSSA calendar
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 14.07.24. | 20:44
The introduction of girls' rugby 7s is a major step forward in promoting gender equality in sports. It provides a platform for young female players to develop their skills, build confidence, and potentially pursue careers in rugby
The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games just got a whole lot more exciting with the introduction of girls' rugby 7s.
This fast-paced and dynamic sport has been met with a wave of enthusiasm from both coaches and captains across the participating schools.
The introduction of girls' rugby 7s is a major step forward in promoting gender equality in sports. It provides a platform for young female players to develop their skills, build confidence, and potentially pursue careers in rugby.
Mozzart Sport caught up with some coaches and captains during the Nyanza region KSSSA games that ended in Kisii on Saturday.
They were all excited that the introduction of girls’ rugby will expose their players to high-level competition.
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Nyakach Girls' head coach, Kevin Otuoma, couldn't be more thrilled about the new addition.
“It is encouraging to start the game. It helps to develop the game. We used to get discouraged. You could train a team for the whole year but there is no tournament. But now we are happy we can finally play. This is a very big milestone to the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya. I am a fan of rugby, I’ve watched our national teams playing and I am confident that these girls will be a great addition to the national team,” Otuoma offered.
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His sentiments were echoed by the team’s captain Joan Ndemo, who noted that rugby was a way to discover hidden talent in schools.
Ndemo plays at the wing and was instrumental in scoring several tries that saw Nyakach claim the regional title.
“I am happy that we are playing at this stage. I am proud of my teammates for the confidence displayed during these games. We are happy with the introduction of rugby 7s. Our coach encouraged us to join the team. Our target is going to East Africa. As girls, we feel loved when they introduce rugby because some of us did not know our talents before. I foresee a great future for ladies’ rugby in Kenya,” she offered.
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The captain was in the company of her mother Teresa Nyatichi who was proud of her daughter’s achievement. She vowed to nurture her talent to the biggest stage possible.
“I am proud of her because I never thought she could play this game. I want to nurture her talent because I want her to play internationally. I would love to watch her on the screens someday,” Nyatichi said.
For Sidindi Girls director of sports George Madigo, the addition would be key in ensuring the girls get enough exposure, and possible scholarships to world-class institutions.
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“I am very proud that girls rugby 7s is finally with us. We are hopeful that it will expose our girls and that they will get scholarships. The girls are enjoying it and soon we will see a good number of teams coming in. It is exposing them, they have the talent, and they have a good avenue to showcase their skills,” Madigo disclosed.
The team’s captain Valentine Akoth echoed her coach’s sentiments saying: “I am proud of myself and the rest of my teammates. It is our first time to compete in this match and I am happy because we have reached the regionals for the first time. I am a footballer and I never knew I could play rugby and make it to the regionals,” she said.
She called on well-wishers to donate them with necessary equipment to ensure they perform at their best.
“I ask for a scholarship for our school. We do not have equipment like boots, jerseys, and balls,” she concluded.
Nyakach Girls were crowned the regional winners after dethroning Nyagichenche 5-0. Nyakach and Nyagichenche will be joined in the nationals by Nyakongo and Sidindi.
