Kenya Rugby League team set to for first major tournament in Ghana

The Kenya Rugby league national team will play in its first major tournament in history when they take part in the Middle East Africa Championship that is going to be held at the Legon Stadium, University of Accra in Ghana from September 27 to 2 October 2022.

The team consisting of 18 players and two officials are scheduled to jet out of the country on Tuesday ahead of their participation in the tournament which will also see hosts Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria taking part.

The Middle East Africa Rugby League Championship is a rugby league competition for national teams from the Middle East and Africa that the Rugby League European Federation organizes.

The first tournament was held in 2015 as part of the qualification process from the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and was followed by tournaments in 2019 and 2020 with an expanded structure.

Kenya got the opportunity to play in the tournament after replacing Morocco who could not participate due to governance issues.

Speaking ahead of their maiden tournament, Kenya Rugby League Federation (KRLF) Chairman Richard Adhere welcome the team’s participation which he hoped would have a positive impact on the game that is relatively unknown in the country.

“It's a great opportunity to assess the progress of Kenya Rugby League and will help motivate players in a high performance environment. This will definitely spur growth of rugby league in Kenya. It will also accord Rugby League an opportunity to market and grow a brand that is still in its infancy,” said Adhere.

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John Mbai, KRLF director of growth and development, added: “We have developed a local working structure that has been designed ostensibly as a platform for players to move into the international arena, as part of growing the game.

This will also add impetus to efforts geared towards player development through clubs, and make the domestic league more competitive. It will be a learning opportunity and help empower our referees, coaches and other staff on how best to run and manage the game."

Kenya’s squad will be coached by former Leeds and Dewsbury winger Eddie Rombo and although the MEA Championship is now a pathway to Rugby League World Cup 2025 qualification, Kenya – whilst still an observer member - is not eligible to proceed, but intends to submit an affiliate membership application within the next 12 months.

Kenya plays its first game on Wednesday the 28th September 2pm West African time against hosts Ghana.

TRAVELLING TEAM TO GHANA

PLAYERS

PHILEMON OLANG

RAMADHAN MASETE

LUJESI TONY KHADAMBI

BRIAN MUTILI MUTUA

JOEL INZUGA

VICTOR ODHIAMBO

SHABANI HAMED

PAUL SEDA

DENISH OPANDE NDINYA

HORUS ALELA

JAMES MARANGA

WYCLIFF MAYIENDA RATEMO

HAROLD ELIAKIM KICHOI

COLLINS OCHIENG

JOHN AWITI OKETCH

RAYMOND EKUTU

LUCKY BYRON OTIENO

CELESTINE MBOI

MANAGEMENT

JOHN ONYANGO MBAI

DAMIMA DUFFIELD