Nyagichenche players during a warm-up session/HANDOUTLittle-known Nyagichenche Mixed Secondary School hope to rewrite history by lifting the national and Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association girls’ rugby 7s titles.
They shook the Kenyan school system by clinching the national title.
Coach Dennis Onyango introduced the game at the school in January of last year, after it was incorporated into the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) calendar.
They surprised many by winning the Kisii County title, but lost to Nyakach Girls’ in the regional final. However, they qualified for nationals, where they finished third, and subsequently qualified for FEASSA in Mbale, Uganda
Even though they lost 19-7 to newcomers Sigoti Complex in this year’s regional final at Kisumu National Polytechnic, Onyango is not worried ahead of the national showpiece to be held at the Bull Ring in Kakamega next week.
“During the regional finals, we faced defending champions Nyakach in the quarters and a formidable Sidindi in the semifinals. I lost three key players to injuries. Fatigue also contributed to the loss,” said Onyango.
However, wingers Immaculate Akinyi and Milka Mong’ina have resumed training after shaking off the injuries. What worries the coach is the availability of inspirational fly-half, Elizabeth Ngala, who is yet to resume training.
“She is on course (to recovery), but we don’t want to rush her. She must recover fully before the nationals,” noted Onyango.
About the nationals, Onyango said: “We have been there before and we know what is expected of us. We are ready to lift the title. Nyagichenche’s motto is: ‘Hakuna mkate ngumu mbele ya chai’.
Regional defending champions Sigoti Complex also dared their rivals with coach Gordon Otieno vowing to go for the title, currently held by St Joseph’s Kitale Girls'.
“We want to go all the way and clinch the national trophy and qualify for FEASSA games. Despite lacking experience at national level, the girls have what it takes to lift the title,” said Otieno.
The draws for girls’ rugby will be done at the Bull Ring in Kakamega next week.
