Mwangala lauds Western Spears’ performance in Kabeberi 7s

Kakamega-based ladies rugby team Western Spear’s head coach Stanley Mwangala has expressed pleasure after the side won their maiden 7s title at the Kabeberi 7s played at the RFUEA Grounds over the weekend.

The Spears staged a remarkable comeback to stun defending champions Impala Ladies 10-7. The match served as a curtain-raiser for the main event; the men’s cup finals pitting KCB Rugby against Nakuru RFC.

It was Impala RFC who were leading a few minutes to the final whistle. The Ngong Road-based club scored their sole try via Valentine Wafula with Ann Njeri adding the extras.

Mwangala’s charges on the other hand struck back with two unconverted tries through Nicole Hawi and Lawreen Lawnisky. The match was officiated by Linus Kinuthia.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mwangala said that the victory gave the ladies a sense of belonging. The Spears improved from their last season’s performance where they failed to go past the group stage. They were also building on their Prinsloo and Christie 7s performance where they finished fifth on both occasions.

“Emotions of joy, peace, contentment, felicity, and a sense of achievement is what we are having as Western Spears. If we had not won the competition, we would have certainly felt sad and dejected. As Spears, we must always give our best whenever we are in a contest or competition. We trust in our game plans and players have a goal to achieve,” he offered.

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Mwangala attributed the team’s fierce spirit to their exceptional mental strength and resilience throughout the match. The ladies managed a last-minute try that won them the game thanks to Lawnisky’s prowess.

“The team’s success was greatly contributed by the team’s commitment in taking tackles, team play which was led by the captain and the skipper at fly half. More support from our fans and technical bench which had to make tough decisions on team selection and line ups,” Mwangala revealed.

One pressing issue that the team has encountered over the season is financial strain, with players going without lunch on several occasions.

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Despite that, Mwangala commended his charges' efforts, noting that teamwork worked a great deal for them.

“Spears face several issues but we thank God for each opportunity he presents. Having no lunch someday for players is not easy, but we soldier on irregardless. Not having well training equipment like our competitors, less exposure, playing on traveling days, are some of the issues we face. But we thank God always as we always come as a team,” he offered.

According to Mwangala, introducing the ladies’ category to the circuit was a bold step in the development of women’s rugby in the country. He described Western Kenya as ‘a small Fiji or New Zealand’ due to its continuous birth and nurturing of rugby talents in the country.

“Spears have always looked at the girl child, pulled out talents from schools across western and molded them to complete rugby players. This win gives a good stage for the team to scout and bring in more players across the region that has a passion for the amazing sport. We try to mold dreams. We want to contribute more sevens players in the 7s team,” he offered.

Being a community club, the coach noted that their larger vision was to empower the girls, not only as players, but also leaders.

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He further noted that the side would go back to the drawing board and prepare for the upcoming 15s season.

“The team is going to embark on a strong 15 aside training period. It will be boosted by one two players who are role models who play for the Kenya lioness 15 aside. More sessions are to be incorporated in the 2023/2024 Kenya women rugby period to allow them play well. More attacking clinics and execution are also in our program to see the team prosper,” the eloquent Mwangala revealed.

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The side fed the national team; Lionesses with key players like Naomi Muhanji who jetted out of the country on Tuesday for build up matches in South Africa on Saturday 16 and 23 September.

The Lionesses will play against South Africa on Saturday 16 September before taking on the San Clemente Rhinos a week later.

The matches will serve as part of their preparations for the inaugural World Rugby WXV3 competition set for 13-28 October 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.