Allan Bush lauds Gilgil Vumbi for impressive Blackrock Festival performance

Gilgil Vumbi tactician Allan Bush has heaped praises on his charges’ performance in the Blackrock Easter Festival played at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday 13.

The Nakuru-based age-grade rugby team whipped all their opponents to be crowned the champions. That was also their first major event of the year.

The tournament came on the heels of a successful girls’ rugby 15s nationals which ran concurrently with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One games at the Machakos Stadium.

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Gilgil Vumbi started their campaign by whitewashing hosts Harlequin Queens 35-0 before edging Rugby Gem 17-0 to proceed to the final stage where they narrowly defeated Hidden Talent 5-0.

Now that the ‘vumbi’ has settled on their impressive performance, Mozzart Sport caught up with Bush who noted that his girls were rising stars to watch.

“It was our first major event this year and we came and made a statement that made people know what Vumbi is,” Bush started.

The coach credited their stellar performance to the rigorous training. Not even the rains dimmed their spirits.

“The girls were ready from the first game to the last after a wonderful preparation and hard training session. The rains spoiled the game but we maneuvered through and became victorious despite all,” Bush said.

He pointed out that Rose Okwemba, the festival’s Most Valuable Player, and Joyce Wangeci stood out. Bush further promised more triumphs for the determined girls.

The team has now shifted focus to the Scrummage Africa Katch 7s tournament slated for May 11-12. They will be looking to defend the title they won during the inaugural edition last year.

They are also sharpening claws for the KSSSA Term Two games. Last year, they made their debut with a bang, finishing second after narrowly losing 10-5 to Mwira Girls in the final.

“We tick the boxes, work on our mistakes, improve on our stronghold making the team better for the upcoming tournaments. Being one of the major tournaments for kids in the country as a coach I feel humbled to be part of the team’s success. It is a learning process,” he averred.

Twelve local and international teams competed in the tournament. Registered teams include Dubai Exiles FC, Uganda Kobs, EPSA Morans, and Little Sports Organization.