KRU Kenya Rugby Union championship clubs have stepped up preparations ahead of the league kick-off next month.
KRU announced that the 2022/23 Championship and third-tier Nationwide leagues will start across the country on November 26.
Championship clubs Kisumu RFC and United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) have already begun their pre-season ahead of the kickoff.
USIU-A’s Martials recently visited Uganda where they played one friendly match, against Kampala Select.
USIU-A won the game 46-12. In the draft fixtures, Martials will open their quest for promotion to Kenya Cup against South Coast Pirates in Ukunda.
Kisumu RFC’s secretary Jaycox Mwavali said the team has been training under new coach Lawi Buyachi. Kisumu will begin their journey to Kenya Cup with an away tie against Shamas Foundation.
Mwavali ruled out any major signings ahead of the season kick-off.
“Our plan is to use raw talent. We want to identify and develop our own players. It’s cheaper than signing already established names,” he said.
He said they will use the upcoming Victoria Tournament as their pre-season.
“Teams in Nyanza and Western regions are planning to have a major pre-season tournament from October 22. It will run for four weeks in the Impala Floodlit tournament format. We shall release more details on Monday,” said Mwavali.
At the same time, former Kenya Cup side Kisii RFC will hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 14 at the Kisii University’s main pavilion, according to team manager George Sagini.
Sagini said the main agenda will be to plan for next season’s Nationwide league, the club’s elections and registration of the club in accordance with the Sports Act 2013.
Sagini, a former captain at the club, said they want to lay plans for a return to Kenya Cup.
