Lubang’a calls for inclusive approach of talent scouting in Coast region

Coastal Region Rugby Development Officer (RDO) Leon Lubang’a has emphasized the need for talent scouts to recognise and harness the rich pool of talent present in every corner of the country, especially in the region.

This call comes at a crucial juncture when the region is boasting of having rugby teams in the Kenya Cup, Championship, and nationwide leagues.

In the recently concluded 2023/24 KRU Championship season, South Coast Pirates climbed to the top tier after defeating favourites Daystar Falcons 30-15 to make history as the first team in Kwale to play in the top tier.

On Saturday, May 3, the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines made it to the championship league after beating Sigalagala 26-23 in the 2023/24 KRU nationwide match.

The region also has up to 10 teams in the KRU Nationwide League. They include Kilifi RC, SC Buccaneers, Taita Taveta RFC, Gede Rugby, Mombasa II, Jackals, Lukenya University, Crocodiles RFC, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic and NYS Eagles

Kabras RFC prodigy lands deal in South Africa

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Lubang’a expressed delight with the strides coastal rugby teams are making in recent times.

The administrator is however, remains concerned by the fact that, despite the abundance of talent in the region, there is lack of attention from renowned clubs and national teams when it comes to scouting talents.

“The main challenge coastal teams face when competing at higher levels is the lack of enough players within their teams. Coastal teams don't have access to as many talented players as teams playing in the Kenya Cup or Championship from other regions have,” Lubang’a said.

“I would recommend teams to intensify their scouting for talented players in Coast secondary schools and come up with incentives to retain them within the team after they clear high school,” he added.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: South Africa dominates Kenya in Madagascar

With a team in the top and two others in the second tier, the former Homeboyz RFC player is confident that coastal rugby would attract financiers.

He is grateful to the devolved units for allocating funds for rugby development in the region.

“Due to the profile and status of leagues, the teams will attract sponsorship to these teams, therefore raising their profile and attracting attention to the teams, which will motivate young boys and girls in the region to start playing rugby. With these promotions, we have seen the respective county governments now allocating money for rugby development. This raises the profile and popularity of the game in the region,” he said.

Lubang’a further praised the teams for braving challenges such as adverse weather conditions and a scarcity of training grounds to register impressive performances.

He urged the rugby fraternity to be on the lookout for major exploits in the coastal rugby arena.

“The coast is very far compared to other regions; our teams travel the longest distance to honour matches, and some of our teams don't have proper playing grounds. But we are trying with the little we have. Rugby at the coast is growing very rapidly, which is very encouraging. We are also seeing more girls on the coast playing rugby. Watch this space; we are coming!” he stated.

Rugby Africa Women's Cup: Kenya Lionesses make changes ahead of South Africa duel

Rugby fans in the region are gearing up for the Watamu Beach Rugby Festival, which will be held from June 8–9 at Watamu Beach in Watamu.