Project 61 itiching for KRU nationwide debut

Eldoret-based Project 61 (P61) Rugby Academy will be looking to make a remarkable debut in the 2023/24 Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) nationwide league that is set to kick off on Saturday, December 2.

P61 is a youth team in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County that seeks to empower and nourish young talents in the region and beyond.

The side will welcome former KRU championship side Egerton Wasps at the Eldoret Polytechnic which serves as their training ground.

Speaking on their preparedness ahead of the competitive league, coach Sheldon Munoko sent a stern warning to their opponets.

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The tactician is not new to the game, having led the University of Eldoret (UOE) Trojans during the 2023 National 7s Circuit to see them top the Division II category after six legs.

"We are psyched up being our first game to play for p61. Everyone is eager to be part of the history," Munoko told Mozzart Sport.

Munoko who played for 2023 National 7s Circuit champions KCB Rugby during his heydays explained that starting a team from scratch was not a walk in the park. Despite the challenges, he vowed to propel the side to greater heights.

He will be looking to lead the team to be the second in Eldoret playing in the KRU Championship league. UOE Trojans is the only team in the second-tier league from the City of Champions.

"It has been tough we’ve had positive vibes and players are improving daily. Our main target is promotion to the Championship league," Munoko offered.

P61 join the Rift Valley rugby powerhouses, which include former KRU Championship sides Eldoret RFC, Egerton Wasps, and Moi University. Maa Warriors, Molo RFC, and Kabianga University will also pose a threat. Kitale RFC pulled out of the league citing financial constraints.

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Aware of the challenges posed by the experienced teams, the former Mean Machine playmaker noted that his charges were prepared for the challenge. He urged fans to be on the lookout for fresh rugby talents in the athletics-rich Eldoret town.

"We want to be dominant on the set pieces we’ve been working on that. Expect good rugby from the boys," he revealed.

Before his coaching role, Munoko turned out for 10-time Impala Floodlights winners KCB Rugby where they won several Kenya Cup, Impala Floodlights, Mwamba Cup, and the ESS titles. He was also a hard-running backrower for the varsity side of the University of Nairobi Mean Machine when they won the Impala Floodlights varsity league, KRU Championship league, and the varsity league accolades.