The Kenya Rugby Union Development Office has had a very active July as they went around the country meeting coaches with an aim of rebuilding girls’ U20 rugby teams.
One of the development department’s strategic goals is to have a strong U20 team that feeds our senior women’s team as we continue growing the sport. The initiative is led by KRU’s Development Coordinator Ronald Okoth and former Kenya Sevens Coach, Paul Murunga. The two gentlemen have been getting in touch with the Union’s Regional Development Officers who are spreading the message to the coaches within their respective regions.
Once the coaches identify the players, they share the contact details with the KRU Office through Okoth so as to keep track of their progress.
This program kicked off on 25th July at the RFUEA Grounds where a total of 40+ coaches attended the scheduled coaches exercise aimed at helping them understand what it takes to coach a junior women’s team. A week later, Okoth and Murunga went to Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, and Kakamega on 30th, 31st July, and 1st August sharing the same information.
Speaking after the successful activities, Okoth said, “The turnout has been good so far and I’m impressed with the coaches who have come out to help us in developing women’s rugby. The Kabras technical team led by Edwin Achayo showed up, as well as Amos Wamanga. We’re gradually achieving our goal of qualifying for the 2024 Olympics with a new crop of players.”
As of today, 5th August, the Nairobi Coaches have already collected the data of the players in the region and have submitted the team list. The other regions have sent the data and are in the process of compiling their team lists.
The next visits are scheduled for Migori, Kisii, Nakuru and Baringo followed by the Central and Coast Regions
