Kinale target East Africa rugby 7s girls crown after nationals heroics

Fresh from securing their historic maiden national rugby 7s title after dethroning defending champions St. Joseph’s Kitale, the Kiambu-based side are now turning their focus to the East Africa Games which kick off next week.

Speaking during a training session at their residential camp in Kakamega, team manager Rahab Njeri said the team was well prepared mentally and physically, but called for more support from well-wishers to help facilitate their travel and welfare.

“The girls have worked hard, and their morale is very high. Am so happy and excited that we've managed to scoop the national title this year, but now we want to prove ourselves on the regional stage,” said Njeri.

“It has not been easy. We are facing challenges with the resources, we are appealing to any well-wishers out there to come on board and support these talented young players more so in terms of transport since the school doesn't have a bus, and with the right backing, we believe we can bring the East African title home.”

Kinale’s fairy tale run at the nationals was inspired by their dynamic captain Rose Okwemba, who made history by becoming the second time female to be named MVP back to back in the girls' rugby 7s category.

Okwemba, who captains the team from the fly-half position, says the squad is more determined than ever.

“That win against St Joseph’s gave us a lot of belief, we know we’ll be facing strong schools from Uganda but we are not afraid. We want to carry the Kenyan flag high and show that our title win was no fluke,” she told Citizen Digital.

The East Africa Games will feature top schools from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, and for Kinale, it is a chance to cement their place among East Africa’s rugby elite.

Kinale scored a record 239 points in 6 matches and conceded 10 points.

The Allano Bush-led charges beat reigning champions St Joseph's Girls Kitale 19-05 in the finals to clinch their maiden national title.

Kinale, St Joseph's Girls, Paul Haris and St Teresa will now represent Kenya in Kakamega.