•Team Kenya open their campaign against the host on Wednesday for the championship which runs until Sunday.
•This will be the first international match Kenya is playing since the formation of the Kenya Rugby League.
Image: HANDOUT
Team Kenya have been pitted against Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria in the Middle East Africa (MEA) Championship starting today in Accra, Ghana.
Team Kenya open their campaign against the host on Wednesday for the championship which runs until Sunday.
This will be the first international match Kenya is playing since the formation of the Kenya Rugby League.
KRL director of growth and development, John Mbai said he is confident of a good show.
“We have had a couple of sessions to fine-tune our preparations and the confidence in the team is great hence we can't wait to play our first game,” added Mbai.
Team Kenya came joined the fray at the 11th hour to replace Morocco who withdrew at the last minute.
Mbai said the foundation will be ideal for Kenya's hopes in readiness for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
"We have just started our journey by playing teams across the continent. With the talent pool of players we have we can go far and build a formidable side for qualification to the World Cup,” added Mbai.
He said a good number of players have come from Kenya Rugby Union and adjusting to league rules has taken a while.
"Adapting to league rules has been gradual and I must commend the players for their effort and understanding of the game for the future,” he added. Mbai expressed confidence in expanding the player pool of players in the sport.
“We have made a decent start in attracting players to the sport but going forward, we need to scout for more players across the counties."
The former Mwamba and Strathmore tactician said he expects a competitive championship.
“We will take one game at a time. We have done our analysis and we hope to have a good run at the championship,” added Mbai.
The team had two intensive training sessions at the Impala Club, where all facets of play were worked on.
Squad: Philemon Olang, Ramadhan Masete, Tony Khadambi, Brian Mutua, Joel Inzuga, Victor Odhiambo, Shaban Ahmed, Paul Seda, Denish Ndinya, Horus Alela, James Maranga, Wycliff Ratemo, Eliakin Kichoi, Collins Ochieng, John Oketch, Raymond Ekutu, Byron Otieno and Celestine Mboi.