Kinale Girls rugby eager to make stellar East Africa School Games debut
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 15.08.24. | 21:59
This will be their maiden appearance at the East Africa School Games and they are looking to mark it in style
As the 2024 East Africa School Games draws closer, Kinale Girls High School rugby team is brimming with confidence and determination to make a significant impact.
This will be their maiden appearance at the games and they are looking to mark it in style.
The team is currently in a rigorous training camp to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the competition slated for Friday 16 to Tuesday 27 August in Mbale, Uganda.
They finished second in the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two rugby sevens games after a narrow 10-5 loss to St Joseph's Kitale in the final.
The spirited girls started their hunt with a 15-5 victory over Mbakalo before seeing off Dagoretti 36-0 in the second pool match.
They ended their pool campaign with a narrow 7-5 loss to St Joseph's Kitale. Despite the loss, the side proceeded to the quarterfinals where they defeated Madira 14-12.
At the semifinal stage, they whitewashed Nyagichenche 40-0 to set up a crunch final with St Joseph's Kitale.
According to coach Allan Bush, the side is aiming to clinch the prestigious title.
“We are utilising the camp by working on the weaknesses we experienced during nationals and emphasising our strength. We are also working on our bench/subs to ensure all our players can get the play time they deserve. Defense and attack too are our key improvement areas,” Bush offered.
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Bush’s confidence also stemmed from the remarkable improvement the girls have demonstrated throughout the KSSSA period. He observed that they consistently refined their skills, showing growth in their tactical understanding, teamwork, and overall performance.
“The first days in camp were a bit shaky but thanks to the camp we have nursed our injuries and improved on the fitness level of every player,” he averred.
It will be the first time for most of their players to step out of the country and Bush was confident that it was a motivation.
“These girls have passports and they will be stepping outside the country before their parents. It is a big achievement at their age and is a driving factor that fuel their desire to keep playing rugby.
This is a young team who have set their goal and showed willingness to lift the East Africa trophy. They are very determined,” he praised.
Bush is a former coach at Gilgil Secondary School. While at the Rift Valley-based team, the tactician achieved several milestones including winning the Black Rock Easter Festival back in April, a second-place finish at the 2023 KSSSA games, another runner's up at the 2023 Scrummage Africa Age Grade tournament, and winning the Kabeberi and Prinsloo 7s age grade tournaments.
