T. NashipaeSCHOOL GAMES: Little-known Gilgil Girls make remarkable national rugby 7s debut
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 13.08.23. | 21:05
The girls reached the finals stage but lost 10-5 to Mwika Girls after a spirited fight
Gilgil Girls Rugby Club left Kakamega in all smiles after finishing second in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Rugby 7s national games that were held at the Bull Ring Grounds. The Rift Valley-based team lost 10-5 to Mwika Girls in the final stage.
Mozzart Sport caught up with the girls' head coach Allan Bush who revealed that the glory was a result of the girls' hard work prior to the school games. It all started three years ago.
It was the year 2020, a time when the world was grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to shield children from the dual threats of the virus and the surrounding insecurity, a sports team was born, led by Coach Bush. The idea was simple yet profound; to channel the girls' energy, passion, and potential into something positive, and give them a safe haven amidst the uncertainties.
“We started in 2019 after Covid-19 hit. The kids were idle and there was a rise in insecurity cases. So, we had to come up with an idea, and went to children’s homes because that was where we could get children. We started with three children’s homes around Gilgil. We started from different ages, U12 and U14 boys and girls,” Bush offered.
Under the guidance of dedicated coaches and the unwavering support of the town, the girls embarked on a rigorous training regime. The odds were stacked against them: limited resources, lack of proper facilities, and the shadow of unfamiliarity.
“Logistics, rugby equipment is difficult to get, and insufficient manpower. As we talk, we have over 300 girls so handling them is an issue. Getting committed coaches is hard. Most of these girls also come from humble backgrounds, and their parents cannot afford fees for schools that have active ladies’ rugby. Mostly, they enroll in public local schools,” he offered.
However, these obstacles only fueled their determination. With unbreakable spirits, they trained on makeshift fields, using whatever equipment they could find.
After the pandemic, schools reopened and a majority of the kids went back. It was then that the idea of introducing the sport in schools came up. Backed by the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) that accommodates the sport, the undeterred team went on to teach it in schools, taking advantage of the PE lessons.
“When schools reopened, there were no kids at home so we looked for the public schools in Gilgil. We sourced for balls, and taught the pupils rugby during PE lessons. By then it was easy because CBC accommodates rugby so the head teachers agreed to our ideas,” Bush told Mozzart Sport.
And then came the moment they had all been waiting for; the KSSSA rugby 7s Nationals. For the first time, the Gilgil Girls stepped onto a grand stage, surrounded by teams from far more established schools.
Their journey reached its pinnacle when they faced Mwika in the finals. Despite a spirited fight, the girls fell short, losing 10-5 to Mwika Girls. Their loss did not dim their spirits.
According to Coach Bush, ladies’ rugby in Kenya is on the right growth direction. However, growth could be sped up if the relevant authorities gave a hand in creating awareness on the sport among ladies.
"They should create awareness and emphasize on ladies’ rugby both in primary and secondary schools. At least now CBC accommodates rugby, so the relevant ministries should capitalize on that and grow from the grassroot level. There will be transition from primary to secondary to university/club and our game will change,” he said.
The visionary coach believes that in two years’ time, Gilgil Girls will be a hub of rugby excellence.
“These girls, having reached the final stage with the oldest being 15 years old in form one, give me two years, I can assure you this will be a remarkable side,” he assured.
Mwika Girls, who were under the tutelage of Shirley Anindo carried the day while Madira Girls came in third after seeing off Sulumeti 5-0 in the third-place playoff.
