T. NashipaeNakuru County geared up for return of Great Rift 10s tournament
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 20.05.23. | 11:55
The tournament returns after a three-year long hiatus triggered by the coronavirus pandemic
The Great Rift Valley 10-a-side tournament will make a grand return at the Nakuru Athletic Club on May 20 and 21 following a three-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 30th edition of the tournament is fully sponsored by the Nakuru County Government.
The last edition of the tournament was held in 2019 where Champions Menengai defeated Homeboyz 10-5 in the final while KCB RFC edged Blak Blad 17-5 to finish third.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology claimed fifth place with a 33-10 victory over Strathmore Leos with Nakuru lifting the Challenge trophy.
Nakuru RFC, commonly known as Wanyore, whose home is at the Nakuru Athletic Club has made noticeable steps since its inspection, producing some of the finest rugby players in Kenya and abroad.
Among them is Kenyan international Monate Akuei who joined the New York Old Blue Rugby team in the United States, a club that features in the American Premiership Rugby.
Another player from Nakuru RFC to the world is Thomas Okeyo who was signed by South African-based rugby club Griffons.
From Nakuru, Okeyo also debuted for the Kenyan side, Simbas in 2021, and the South African Varsity Cup side University of Johannesburg.
Both Okeyo and Akuei will make their debuts in the Currie Cup Premier Division and the Major League Rugby this year respectively.
Fans will not only be treated to the 10s version of the game, but also the longer version when Kenya Simbas take on Zimbabwe Gowshaks on Saturday 20.
The Simbas will be on a revenge mission after their previous meeting with the Zimbabweans ending in a 22-21 loss for Kenya. The match was played in Cape Town, South Africa.
This time, backed by the noisy home support and under the tutelage of tacticians; Jerome Paarwater, Carlos Kyatwa, and Curtis Olago, the Simbas will be keen to impress.
They are also coming from a narrow 35-28 loss to Windhoek Draught Welwitschias and will be looking to roar.
