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Rugby lovers had to enjoy the game at the just ended Katch 7s tournament in Kakamega without a taste of alcohol, a move that left many revellers scratching their heads.
Alcoholic beverages were not allowed in the venue with security officials at the entry spots frisking persons and vehicles to ensure none carried narcotics or alcoholics. The tournaments director Michael Rwambo said the event’s theme was ‘getting fresh talent and showcasing it to the world’.
“For the last 20 years, Kenyan teams have been fishing talent from western Kenya. It was refreshing to see young teams like Malava RC, Mbale RC, Mumias RC fight it tough with the big boys and make considerable progress,” said Rwambo, adding that, “the fans who turned up had a key item of watching rugby and not drinking. Being the first of its kind, I must admit I was surprised by the numbers.”
The Kenya rugby Union (KRU) Board members also had a chance to watch the games after the national body held its board meeting in Kakamega — the first time KRU is holding such a meeting outside Nairobi.
And what a better place than in the rural county of Kakamega, the home of rugby!
Pape Sembi who sponsors Kakamega based Western Bulls, and who is also the western director, said the move by KRU could not have come at a better time.
“I shared with my colleagues on the need to have the meeting outside Nairobi. And since the Katch 7s were on, we feel the board could get a hands-on feel on the challenges we face in organising and implementing such tournaments in the regions,” said Sembi adding,“We also had our Kenya Sevens national team training in the nearby Nandi County, which many board members felt we could have easy time visiting after holding our meetings.”
The Board meeting at Western Bulls Club House had a 100 per cent attendance. The union’s rugby strategic plan for five years was discussed.
“We thank The Nairobian for the sponsorship, and other media outlets for they are a crucial partner in the rugby culture and the Kakamega County government and Kakamega High School for offering one of its fields to host the games,” said Sembi.
Geoffrey Gangla, the KRU secretary told hundreds of fans at the award giving ceremony for Katch 7s that it was time everyone stood up for the growth of the sport.
“We want to make a development side of rugby talents in Kakamega. We call upon the Country government to join hands with us in promoting the game, bearing in mind the fact that Kakamega has been a fishing ground for rugby talents for a long time,” said Gangla.
Sembi concurred, adding: “Four young men from the schools category have been identified for high voltage training with intent to have them in the under 19 Kenya side.”
The Katch 7s tournament saw 1,200 fans on the first day, and over 1,000 tickets sold on the second day.
Sembi now wants the games included in the KRU sevens circuit series to make it more competitive.
